GRADUATION
May 18, 2012
"Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten."
B.F. Skinner
Where does it say that knowledge is power
that power corrupts absolutely while nothing
speaks to the value laying dormant inside you;
Where does it say that greed is the cornerstone of success
that achievement is valued above all else while nothing
speaks to the faith that motivates your beliefs;
Where does it say that high school prepares us for life
that competition is healthy for all while nothing
speaks to the love of life that always provides the way;
Where does it say that the rules you followed in school or
that the laws of the land must take precedence while nothing
addresses the sick, the elderly, or the homeless around you;
Where does it say that your future is pre-determined but
that you still have your free will while nothing
reminds you of the commitment you made to your savior;
Where does it say that your Graduation today will be your last challenge
That life is now simply a settling in routine while nothing
Inspires you more than all the opportunities lying ahead;
Where does it say that you cannot be whatever you want to be
that the fulfillment of dreams are only for a few while everything
reminds you of your family that helped you get here today;
Where does it say that Graduation Day will define your life
that the stage you walk across today will be your last when you know yourself
that there is so much more than receiving this diploma you want to do;
Where does it say that you cannot create your own future
that you cannot create your own happiness when everyone knows
that nothing will hold you back but the fears you now can conquer . . .
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Note: a very good friend of the family graduated this year on May 18 and along with a red rose that I presented to Savannah at dinner with both our families, I wrote her this poem; but, while it was written for her, it is still true for all graduates all over the world.
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