Stanley Myron Liebert

"In the beginning he sold printing and she had dreams
...he still sellls printing and a bit more. They still dream.
It is time she said. What will I do, he said.
You can do what you want, she said.
I forgot what I wanted. It was a long time ago, the dream.
He was an accountant in '51, a printing salesman in 1955-years ago.
He has been around... he has. One color you ask, now we print eight!
Airports, all night press proofing, dim lights sometimes "dim" customers too, go not gently into the light.
He has been fogged in, snowed in, rained in, out of gas in Colorado.
But... his suit was pressed, his shoes were shined, his cuff links always worn with pride. His hair was blond then. Now it is white.
In those days, he ran for the gate, now he walks with a gait.
He is a salesman, that noblest of character.

It is time to go, she said.
I'm not ready, he said.
Come and share the walk with me, she said.
He hesitated that first step.
Take my hand, she said, for there are "raisins and almonds" yet to see.

Retire... to withdraw for a rest. Maybe?
Retired... to give up one's business and... live on one's savings?
Retiree... to remove oneself from ative service. I will try.
Retirement... to remove from circulation... circulation, it's a problem at this age.
Retiring... one who has retired from a profession.
salesman-sales manager- director of marketing- vice president of marketing-- and finally, forty-five years later, a salesperson. (How about that for being politically correct?)...

Goodbye, and good luck!

Stanley is finally going to do it! Doris and the kids say so!

December 1st, 1997

P.S. There may be a touch of frost to the noun retiree... but, from the warmth of many friends, loyal in my career, there is, and always will be, that extra beat to the rhythm of my heart.
Stan Liebert


(This was the card given at his retirement)