for Lydia
Being in a class of people known to you all these years
Friends brought together by chance geography
Forming an intentional community of peers and teachers
Building towards a celebration as seniors ready for graduation
Now is the moment to parade together in cap and gown
Marching to the strains of pomp and circumstance
One last time before dispersing blown away in the wind
Not this anti-climax of a canceled ceremony.
Next up should be the adventure of college campus life
Finding your way learning and meeting new friends
Not some separate and isolated remote screen existence
Stealing the happiness of youth having fun being together.
The younger you are the more one year counts
Leaving you disappointed to be missing out
But I know you will be undeterred by adversity in life
Determined to overcome all challenges.
The difficulties we have can be a gift in disguise
One door closes and another door opens
I have confidence in you as a smart and capable person
Being someone who cares deeply for our planet.
May you find your way to help make the world better
Where all people are respected and nourished
Where all of nature is cherished and protected
Where peace and justice can prevail on earth.
