Graduation Season

High school graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime event, but then comes life.

The days of youth have found a goal to reach
as graduation is a marker, rare.
Before the ceremony those, who teach
have youthful souls of teens within their care.

But what of teens beyond this stately day?
Is there some magic making them adults?
A child last week may wonder in dismay
at new requirements, and their far results.

A baby cannot walk when first its born,
nor can a teen now launched excel in life,
but parents, who bring milk each daily morn
can guide the new adult away from strife.

O, list still youthful heart to words of those,
who love thee most, and life's experience know.

by Jay O’Toole
on May 26th, 2022