TCNJ graduation 2014

47 Harding housemates toast
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education department graduation
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commencement
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psychology department graduation
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the graduate

Today the graduate walks the walk

Slowly but surely stepping towards the podium

Joining the traditional procession flowing

To the strains of pomp and circumstance.

The end of school in the spring of the year 2014

A time that once seemed far in the future

Now rushing at us with hardly a pause

Before the transition to the rest of your life.

Thousands of classmates departing from campus

Taking memories of being together living on your own.

We who witness this day share your happiness

Taking pride at your excellence given high honors.

We remember this ceremony in another time

When life beyond stretched far downstream.

You glow today with the radiant beauty of youth.

Flow gently sweet Afton, disturb not her dream.

McFaul Environmental Center

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big day in may

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enjoying the birdwatchers enjoying the birds

Early May early morning a walk in the woods:

Hear the wood thrush, wrens, towhees, orioles all about.

Come upon bird watchers who tell if you ask

What warbler special species gave them a good viewing.

This year the cold of winter lingered long

And the first tree blossoms got frosted by a late snow fall

While we waited and waited for the spring migrants to come.

Now we are out every day catching a passing glimpse.

We know the special places nearby the most birds are seen.

Recent sightings are listed if you search online:

Garret Mountain is by far the most popular destination

Walking the path around Barbour Pond.

There you will find many other bird watchers circling

Stopping to peer up into the new leaves

Getting what we call warbler neck looking straight up

Happiest when the woods are buzzing with chirps.

This year we finally took a day off from work

Taking the chance to be at the right place at the right time

Lucking out with the weather and birds everywhere

If you look closely to see such small creatures moving.

Much smaller than the palm of my hand

Flitting from branch to branch at a distance

Eating insects too small for me to see

Traveling day after day thousands of miles.

So gorgeous to see the patterns of color

If you can get them in your binoculars

And they stay still for a moment or two.

So soon their passage this way leaves us behind.

This day we came upon a happy gray haired man

Exclaiming his delight at all the beautiful birds of the day

Smiling so broadly, glad to be there, himself a delight:

This year I am enjoying the birdwatchers enjoying the birds.

black river to willowwood

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