These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Calm Before the Change

Even when the change is good
one's life must then adjust.
A new way tweaks the heart's own mood.
The unknown way needs trust.

Retirement comes when life is full.
Still, some things need to rest.
One's status and the others' pull,
determination's test.

One chapter of these days is done.
A new one comes apace.
New victories must needs be won
to finish this life's race.

The work I've known these past three years
is coming to a close.
The face made wet by salty tears
must face the path I chose.

Will I be great or fade away
into some lonely walk?
Success may come as each new day
finds new ones needing to talk.

A coffee shop to write my thoughts.
A poem, chapter, voice,
the gift of newness as I'm taught
by God's Own better choice.

Some days remain to walk this way,
until I lay these down
to pick up things to do and say
as life by God abounds.

by Jay O’Toole
on August 26th, 2025