I did it.
Four years later,
five cords draped 
heavily around my neck 
and one stole gently laying
underneath.

Countless hours spent 
wondering what today
would feel like.
Trying to picture standing
up in front of my 
class, and seeing my mom
overjoyed as I complete 
this chapter of my life.

Little did I know,
I would be waiting 
in a drive-thru line 
to pick up my diploma,
and my memorable handshake 
traded for an air
fist-bump.

No prom, or friends 
at graduation, or
final wave on stage,
but my diploma
stands tall
against the pandemic.

The best three months cut
short, but hey,
at least I can say

I graduated.