They file into an auditorium, a sea of black
Chattering lightly, but not too much
A solemn excitement in the air

School insignia adorns the walls
On the stage, many of their mentors stand
Teachers of yesterday; today, just here to celebrate

The orchestra begins, a tune they’ve heard
Several times since they first entered these doors
The tune is the same, but so much else has changed

Standing at the threshold of child and adult
They look forward with nervousness and anxiety
But then they look back, and smile at how far they have come

As they take their diplomas, their handshakes are firm
It’s the end of an era, but the beginning of summer
Of several more summers, new phases of life

They changed once, they will change again
Growing stronger, standing taller, with each turn