An original poem makes a wonderful gift to mark a retirement. Show a colleague how greatly they've been valued as they leave a company or organisation, to start a new stage of life.
Your original poem will be written personally by award-winning poet and artist Lizzie Mole. The often humorous, witty and touching verse will be written in rhyming verse, then beautifully presented as a foiled framed print and gift-wrapped, ready to give. The perfect way to thank a much-loved member of the team as they retire.
No formulas or templates are ever used in the writing of our poems. As Lizzie writes each commission with great passion, tuning in to what you would like to say, she does not set a word-count which might restrict the flow of her beautiful words. As a guide though, the poem will be around 28-48 lines long.
Having worked with Lizzie for many years, I have witnessed her word skills first hand and when I retired from work was presented with the most beautiful poem which highlighted not only events that had happened in my life but also a nod to my possibly slightly eccentric traits! It was done with warmth, humour and kindness. I wish Lizzie every success with her new venture and have no hesitation in endorsing her as a wordsmith. x
Julia Fuller
How it works
When you order, you will be sent a short questionnaire asking for the lowdown on your special colleague.
Your poem will then be personally written by our founder, award winning poet and artist Lizzie Mole. Taking your anecdotes, facts, nicknames and memories, she will weave them into a uniquely original, often humorous poem.
A draft will be sent to you by email for approval and any tweaks can be made if needed.
Product details
Your poem will be printed on the highest quality archival paper from heritage paper merchant GF Smith.
The fine-grain smooth art paper is 240gsm and has been selected specifically for foiling to ensure a beautiful finish. Simply choose from silver, gold or rose gold at the point of ordering.
The framed poem is approximately A4 in size, with outside dimensions of 24.2 x 30.3cm and depth 3.7cm
Our frames are handmade in Brighton by a highly skilled framer, specialising in hand-finishing. We've chosen a simple hand-painted white frame with a slight grain to complement our foiled poems.
The frame has been designed with a recess, which means there is a space between the print and the glazing. This allows the light to really catch the foiled finish, as well as creating a gallery-style look, only achieved by professional framing.
The frame is made from sustainably sourced pine and is glazed with picture grade acrylic.
Example poem
Dear Peter, you’re retiring,
so we raise to you a toast,
a chance to tell you all the things,
we love about you most.
Your ‘Peteness’ is infectious,
your laugh just like a drain,
your smile a ray of sunshine,
come hail or sleet or rain.
We can’t believe you’re leaving,
you’ve been here with us so long,
when we come in on Monday,
the warehouse will seem wrong.
Who’s going to call us ‘sweedart’
and flirt with all us girls?
Who’s going to tell us funny tales,
those magic wisdom pearls?
And talking of the magic,
who’s going to do the tricks?
With cards or coins or squidgy balls,
Pete’s magic Christmas mix.
And as we write this ditty,
we start to feel so sad,
to think of all the special times
that together we’ve all had.
Those gorgeous Pete expressions.
’ Well I’ll be blowed or blessed.’
The sight of you in summer,
just sitting in your vest.
We’ve sung, we’ve danced together,
we’ve laughed until we’ve cried,
we’ve spoken our best franglaise,
even proper French we’ve tried.
In Fine Art Distribution,
you’ve shown us how it’s done,
a genius in packing,
a legend full of fun!
Dear Pete, we’re gonna miss you,
as this chapter finds its end,
you’re a very special human,
our colleague and our friend.
