Day 23: Ritual

The clearing of the cubicle begins:
make a pot of coffee although
no one else is in the office.
Remove mementos from fabric walls,
except for a couple of parting shots,
and purge papers from cardboard files,
shredding the confidential ones,
to leave an empty desk behind.

Pack a few books in boxes to take home;
some were used for reference, and some
are products you've had a hand in making.
Place precious photos in a clear plastic
envelope with clippings, cards, a pen or two,
and bits of memorabilia. Carry two boxes
out to the car, slip your card-key
under the door, and exit the building.