My Signed School Hat

For eight years I was relied upon,
Got floppy, got faded.
The only part of that uniform,
Not tight, nor outdated.
Hard at work, I shaded,
Maybe my usage was belated?

I’ve been soaked in stuff,
So many times.
In rain, in sweat,
But soap was fine.

All those sunny lunchtimes 'round the Oval,
My dark fabric heated over and over.

And after the eight years,
Today was my last day.
I was tossed around friends,
To be covered in names.

Like a bear before winter,
I’m shut away safely.
Except this time it’s forever?
The door shuts with a click.