Retire

How will I know when it's time? 
You'll know, say all my friends 

who have retired. Retire, as in 
to pull away; withdraw, retreat—

like armies backing down from 
the assault. Or to move into 

seclusion, leave the noise
of the gathered throng and 

climb into your bed's cool 
sheets instead. When no one 

else can wear your number 
because you're unsurpassed: 

like Michael Jordan's #23 
jersey, and Kareem Abdul-

Jabbar's #33. But if re- means
anew, once more, doesn't retire 

also mean to tire again? The pet
you have to take outside never

seems to tire of pulling at
the leash, or bounding back—  

here he comes again, meaning
throw the ball so I can fetch.