SAILORS
IN GRADUATION BOATS
The
longest day of the year when hopes should overcome all nightly fears
Four
years of struggle of projects, tests or homework now time for dreams to adhere
On
a football field, stands filled with a faculty first in tow
Led
by a bagpiper with notes to make all spirits grow
A
thin blue line of two by twos marching across a field.
Leaning
forward, eager, dreams to pursue never to yield.
Other
sailors have gone to the sea to explore or seek the ocean’s wealth
Or
haul cargo or make war in the open or in stealth
These
Sailors are of a different cloth, their ocean is the sea of dreams
Even
though today the winds of chaos blow not gently astern but in full force abeam
The
winds may be howling and many will seek the safety of a college port
Knowing
four years from now the chaotic forces will subside or abort
No
matter the force, this class of Sailors will not blink
Four
years and all of you know how to think
Watching
blue columns of two marching through flags rippling in the breeze
One
is left with a sense of relief, a sense of welcome ease
Better
yet the names read show the melting pot is still warm
One
people united to escape from foreign harm.
Tassels
turned, caps launched together into the sky
The
dreams of a generation getting ready to fly
Your
parents and friends salute
May
your dreams take lasting root
Millions
like you graduated on this day
Marching
to the Pomp and Circumstances sway
But
Sailors are special; they are unique and are blessed
For
only they can traverse the seas of dreams and not by the confines of land find
arrest.
©
June 21, 2012 Michael P. Ridley aka the Alaskanpoet
