On Graduation

(c) Linda Goodman, 1970

They said, “There’s a cold, cruel world outside.

Please listen to us and try to abide by our rules. Stay Inside.”          

So we did.

And some met failure, and some knew success,

And some didn’t bother; they couldn’t care less.

And now the time’s come. We’ll be sheltered no more.

We’ll run to be free.

We’ll unbar all the doors.

And we’ll say we want peace, yet we’ll follow the road

Where God is the plotter and Man is the mold.

And we’ve worked hard and achieved to our best  

And our souls have grown weary and ready for rest,    

Then we’ll remember these fast flying years   

With laughter and wonder and warmth and tears.