There’s something magic when

Everyone is dressed
In matching caps and gowns
And parades by in double lines,
Like some flock of navy birds.

There’s something about

The litany of names being called,
knowing that once they take this walk
up some stairs and across a stage,
That even though they’re someone’s
Baby boy
or
Beautiful girl,
In everyone else’s eyes, they’re now
Adults.

It’s a privilege to see them take this

First step into adulthood every time.

I still remember my walk

26 years ago now, desperately
trying not to trip over my own feet
In front of what felt like
The entirety of my town.

They may go on to fame and fortune

Or to simple, quiet lives,
But like me, they’ll remember this
When they look back on their past.