Commencement
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.
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
up some stairs and across a stage,
That even though they’re someone’s
Baby boy
or
or
Beautiful girl,
In everyone else’s eyes, they’re now
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
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
But like me, they’ll remember this
When they look back on their past.
The word litany in this poem really captured my attention. This piece is beautiful and I love the reflective nature of it all.