The Graduation

As if to dramatize my decline,

Our granddaughter’s graduation is staged,

With much drama and pomp,

With classmates adorned in robes, bearing hats, and

Occupying an arena brimming with expectation.

Parents, grandparents, relatives, friends,

Applaud and shout and stomp their feet—

Striving to give courage and good fortune.
  

But the applause and good wishes,

Serve, inevitably, to mark a major step

In my decline.

--May 15, 2013