What Is Graduation?

Graduation is an end,
But also a beginning...
The start of all the dreams
That every graduate is spinning.
Graduation is sighs and laughter
Mingled liberally with tears,
Lingering memories of one's sharing
Life with classmate through the years.
Graduation is conclusion
Of one big phase of work and fun,
A milestone passed, new things begun.
Graduation is excitement,
Speeches, farewells
And applause, diplomas
And a mortar board...
The gate to pathway unexplored.

Katherine Davis