Term's End

Fast comes another finishing; a term, so quickly passed.
The mad rush, the packing; the shrinking suitcase.
“Who’ll look after this?”, “Will that fit there?”
“Which train, which bus,... a taxi?”

Quietly he stands, watching, smiling, never laughing.
Offers help, maybe advice, on problems not his own.
Some accept, some decline, occasional thanks, occasional failure.
Short goodbyes, best wishes; soon they are gone.

Restless days, wasted hours.
Empty halls, closed doors.
Yet not all leave; a few remain.
Happy meetings, a laugh, a drink; to talk.

Eventually his time comes.
No haste, no rush; plans long laid.
Packed and loaded, he closes the door.
No goodbyes, no farewells, and soon he is gone.