meeting 10 years post-retirement
they reviewed their work and retired life
against the parameter of “Contentment”
One of them continued to work post-retirement
Adorning senior positions of power & prestige
“I am still not content said he, I love to strife, contribute
Do my best till my last breath”
“Today should be more fulfilling than yesterday”
His friend seemed to have taken it easy, post-retirement
“I now have time to read, write, take music lessons
Do all the things, I denied myself while working”
“I am happy and content, prioritizing my desires & needs” he said
The former disagreed, “Being content” means stagnation
“You continue to be ‘alive’ when you contribute, be useful to others”
The work lives of the friends also were on similar lines- One moved up
the corporate ladder, ever pushing himself, retiring as a director
The other chose the R&D wing of company, less visible yet exciting to him
He never cared so much for taking ‘credit’ for the innovations
Was more involved and enjoyed the process of innovation, creativity
Content to spend more time with family, watch sunsets, be amidst nature
The wife of the host then entered with steaming coffee & hot samosas
“Why are you guys wasting time debating a subject so subjective?
Each of you got what you wanted, in work & retired life.
Every person is unique and driven differently: contentment
Is what you feel from the inside. If the feeling is satisfying
And you are happy, so be it! It’s non debatable” she concluded
NB: This poem was composed for and recited during the Seniors Today online Poetry Meet on 29th May 2026
