"You're Ready to Touch the Sky"

For The Student Who’s Graduating

Students, there’s a big scary world out there,

Responsibilities on your shoulders rest, decisions to be made,

And discoveries to claim if you but dare,

Goals to reach or do nothing and let your dreams fade,

There are challenges you’ve already met,

With the support of family and friends,

But there are new goals that haven’t been set,

And your dreams have beginnings but no ends,

You’ll finish what others thought was an impossible task,

You won’t let this difficult world hold you back,

You’ll accomplish much more than the world might ask,

You’ve been honing your skills and none do you lack,

This world has had an awkward past,

Expect challenges and feelings of doubt,

Be prepared the best you can, life comes at you fast,

And the things you’ve planned may not turn out,

Obstacles might be placed in your path,

But don’t let that stop you from your quest,

Other ways exist from A to B, if you’ve done your math,

Education is just one part; life itself is the final test,

It’s a big intriguing world out there,

Take the first step and hold your head high,

Right or wrong, be brave, do everything with flair,

The world is yours if you choose to touch the sky.

"Be Aware"

I know why she glares,

But I do not dare,

Challenge that penetrating gaze,

Her crisp dress of white,

Contrasts sharply in the light,

With the blood from her lips,

And from her fingertips,

She admonishes, “Be aware,”

From the past she stares,

Remembering the students running,

And the gunman’s cunning,

Herding the hostages up the stairs,

Having caught them unawares,

Fingers clutched, she is still tense,

None of the shots made much sense,

So she sits with angry glare,

Remembering all that happened there,

A portrait changed by the artist’s flair.