Graduations

I can sympathize with all of those who are taking big steps toward adulthood: I am still taking them. I looked toward my graduations (high school and first year of Bible school) with certain fears. These came mostly because I didn't know what was next, and people were going to ask what I had planned. I would make my indefinite thoughts absolute to appease their questions, but it did not help too much. Finally, in my high school year, I wrote a poem that expressed my thoughts and concerns, as well as some advice to myself. The poem appeared in the yearbook anonymously, so that it would be read without bias. I now dedicate it to those who, though not necessarily are graduating, but are this year taking steps of faith into the world of "more growing up." Some people in my mind specifically are Aaron Donato, SaraJo Mangum, Karen Wakim, Amanda Johnston, and Andrew Anganes. Here is:

"The Schoolboy's Time"

I remember the day that I stood in the door
Of the school that had mine always been.
I briefly glanced down for one look of the floor,
Then looked up, facing outside not in.

I paused for a moment to reflect on the day
Of my youth and its security.
The pause seemed forever as my breath died away,
Till my thoughts met my eyes on the lea.

The school day is o'er and there's plenty of light
To fulfill all my fanciful joys,
But the fear that I'd lose one small weight of delight
Made me stop and consider my ploys.

My school mates are running about in the lea,
Caring naught as they foolishly play.
Their silly endeavors will soon make them see
The quite futile and unfruitful day.

My heart yearned intensely for joy that would last
Till my head I lay down on my cot.
My choices were great, and time soon would be passed,
And whose help I could use I knew not.

A strong hand then fell on my messy, brown hair,
And the School Master looked on my face.
He asked me if reasons I wanted to share
For just standing alone in that place.

I gave Him my reasons. He gave me a smile,
And He told me that He was quite glad
That I wanted to do something that was worthwhile
And redeem all the time that I had.

I asked that wise man what to do with the day
So that I would content be tonight.
He told me to run home and do not delay
So as not to lose much of the light.

He told me to finish my duties and chores,
But I said that I wanted to be
The hero and legend of battles and wars
And that chores were not great things to see.

He smiled then so kindly it cut like a sword
And He kindly said to me again
That the duties to family, friends, and the Lord
Reward more than the praises of men.