commencement speaker
procession of robes
it’s that time of year
parents in droves

to celebrate their son,
daughter or niece
they go out to dinner
buy college swag fleece.

parents reminisce about
their own college days
it’s seems just like yesterday
oh time has its ways.

packing the SUV
up to the brim
with knickknacks, laptops,
books, clothes, and gin.

it’s a bit sad amidst
the cheers and recognition.
what’s next they all think
our lives, our volition.

alas to go home
a teenage bedroom,
wallow and wonder
clothes on the floor strewn.

some go abroad quickly
to Italy to Spain.
some go to grad school
some go to Maine.

some have jobs
lined up right away.
others have time
to hang out in the fray.

it’s an exciting time
in the graduates’ young lives.
it’s an exciting time
to grow up and thrive.

much more to come
days, months, years.
the future is vast
the future is near.

       – karen garfield