Graduation

GRADUATION

In these dragnet days Of fostered promises And graduated expectations Is it hollow fear That lurks in the fat of your eye Facing a rainbow but colour-blind

Gone the wizened juvenile The unbridled adolescent Bring on the wet-behind-the-ears adult Pawing for a foothold Amongst boggy pondweed idealism Feet dragging, neck wrung, ears pinned

In bereavement one changes How many times can you smile For the same picture. Stand corrected Pull back, console your soul Retreat in defeat of all you imagined

Awaken and become aware See the foxy badger's weaselling Answer the provoking itch That propels you to a new place Where to more clearly hear The rustle of passing time

No longer pilloried Exposed to curmudgeons' blows Cudgel your brain Write code in sweet refrain Like the poet seeking out his garret Where to give reason to life in rhyme