Graduation Day

Re-post with illustration

Once when I was young

And saw the evening star as something

Beautiful and rare,

And longed to share that deeply dusky air

With others,

I spoke of my desire to one who cared —

And blushed like any bride.

But she whispered: “wait — and live!”

And so I did.

And now, returned, I need to tell you Pam;

You did not tell me of the tears that I would pay.

The years of standing at the window looking in

At the many gowned and sequined Feasters

Who would not care

To see the mirror in my eyes.