Tuesday, 05 March 2013
On My Wardrobe in Retirement
By Marc Leavitt of Marc Leavitt's Blog
The serried ranks of suits recall my pace
Of hectic work and business matters;
Expensive rags, but now I need the space
For jeans and sweats, especially the latter.
I always bought the best I could afford,
And wore the outfits that the job required,
No detail overlooked, no touch ignored,
I built the business image I desired.
Today my closets groan; the worthless stuff’s
A bore, like nosey neighbors, who refuse
To go back home, no matter the rebuffs,
And there’s no room for something I can use.
My wardrobe did its part for my career,
But that was then; it’s useless now, I fear.
[INVITATION: All elders, 50 and older, are welcome to submit stories for this blog. They can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, etc. Please read instructions for submitting.]
Posted by Ronni Bennett at 05:30 AM | Permalink | Email this post
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Same for my husband's closet. I cannot convince him to rid himself of it.
Posted by: kenju | Tuesday, 05 March 2013 at 05:38 AM
We get a visit from a guy soliciting funds for a homeless shelter twice a year. Last time he said that they particularly need business clothes so that their people can look professional on job interviews. Good for them and your closet.
Posted by: Joan Barrett | Tuesday, 05 March 2013 at 09:04 AM
GoodWill is another place to donate used clothing along with other items. If you keep the receipts, you can use them for a charitable deduction at tax time.
Posted by: Madeleine Kolb | Tuesday, 05 March 2013 at 12:17 PM
Oh, that one hit home! I also gave away a complete wardrobe of business professional wear (varying sizes) when I retired. they went to young women just entering the business world. Now? Sweats and sweaters. Sighing luxuriously, I say, "it's my time to play!" and that's how I want it.
Posted by: sflichen | Tuesday, 05 March 2013 at 06:53 PM
Ah Marc, how sweet it is, to dress in sweats and thumb my nose at the "suits"!
Posted by: Marcy B. | Tuesday, 05 March 2013 at 09:16 PM
You could have been speaking for me too. I also have a drawer full
of slips and pantyhose that never get worn. If I need to go
"formal," I exchange jeans for
black slacks.
Wonderful poem, just drop the last two lines. You already made the point beautifully.
Posted by: Estelle D | Tuesday, 05 March 2013 at 09:40 PM
I like the last two lines!
Your poem hit the spot! I keep a few "work clothes" because I teach English as a second language 2 days a week. It gives me a reason to walk and socialize, so I don't become an internet couch potato. ;-)
Posted by: ~ Sil in Corea | Wednesday, 06 March 2013 at 03:45 AM
Oh my..how I can relate to this! And I LOVE my sweats and t-shirts! Who would have thought?
Thanks for this wonderful blog posting!
Gert
Posted by: Gert | Wednesday, 06 March 2013 at 04:15 AM
I can relate as well! Shortly after having to retire on disability due to strokes, I cleared my closet of all "business attire" and lots of other stuff. Don't miss them one bit. Love your poem! *Tricia*
Posted by: Patricia Whitney-Jones | Saturday, 09 March 2013 at 03:08 PM