It is Done

it is done, turn the page
the final submissions are read
ciphers noted, converted, published
and along with feeling accomplished
come feelings of sadness, relief and joy

I have quit associations
that have provided me with inspiration
exasperation perspiration facilitation
but mostly joy happiness and perennial youth

now it is time to enter another chapter
with fewer demands and different mandates
somehow older and more adult
with less randomness and chaos
and much less excitement

I am free now
     only a prisoner of my mind
but this confinement allows me, at least,
to stay current in my own life without guilt,
angst or dread
when I sit with a good book, good coffee
and a cat or two,
dozing in the morning sun