Leaving Is the Best Part

Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash

The best part of work is

when I leave for the day,

when I mechanically swallow the last two sips of

cold coffee, stale pop, or flat fizzy water,

when I reach for the black on/off

rocker switch to snap off the

fluorescent desk light.

Rising from my chair, I

increase my pace to avoid

walking out with a “certain person” who

slows me down because she

strolls too much and

talks too much.

I’m determined to leave NOW, as I

rush to the gym.

I don’t want to be late for kickboxing class. I

accelerate my pace as I trot toward my

joy.

So too,

The best part of a meeting is

when it’s over.

Scooting back my chair on the corporate carpet, I

pick up my Pilot pen,

scribbled papers,

and purse, then

pull open the heavy glass conference room door and

march down the hall, head held high.

Away from the business at hand. Away from the

confusion,

the disagreements, and the

tedium.

Similarly,

The best part of a party is

when I thank the hostess for her hospitality,

slip on my suede jacket, shoulder my bag,

open the front door, and

step out into the cool night air.

The stars are out and

I’m out, heading home

Alone.

Each time I leave work,

a meeting, or a

party, I

experience the same exhilarating feeling.

“I’m outta here!”

Cutting it off!