On Graduation

I wrote this poem a few weeks before I graduated from high school in June, 1970. Today I am posting it in honor of my Nephews Allen Lowery and Shaun Rice, who will graduate from high school in just 2 weeks; and to my niece, Matilyn Stocks, who graduated from Old Dominion University last week.

On Graduation

©Linda Goodman, June 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 take our ideals,

And we’ll take our false gods

And try to work miracles where others have trod.

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

Where God is the plotter and Man is the mold.

And when 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.