Ode to a Student Leaving

The formulaic poem is often assigned so new writers can practice cadence in a predictable format. Although I tend to write in a long line, unrhymed format to bring my observational memoir poetry to life, I also enjoy the constraint of the formula. The method makes the topic foremost and frees a writer from needing to think through how to best present the content.

In the spring of 1993, I was asked to give the Commencement speech for my high school students, a true highlight in my career. As part of that speech, I wrote this poem or, as most writers know, almost this poem because each time a writer touches her writing, she (or he) just can't help but tweak it.

Just for the record, when I left that school, I took with me the stool I had provided and used all those years. It is now being used by my daughter in another classroom as she delivers library skills to young people. Legacies are often the simplest things.


Ode to a Student Leaving

I will never forget
         the times you came
         to perch upon my stool
         eager to lean
                       to share
                               to fly.

I will never forget
         your adrenalin-charged life,
         the giggles, the frowns,
                   soaring "ups,"
                   endless "downs."

I will never forget
         your creative abandon,
         zest for learning
         penchant for gossip,
                              for truth
                                    for hope.

I will never forget
         my pride in your pride,
         your unwavering trust,
         our timorous ventures into
                     uncharted territories
                                together.

I will never forget
         how you fueled my days,
         feathering clouds to
         wispy nothingness,
         buoying my spirit with
                                 your youth,
                                      your strength,
                                          your dreams.

But most of all,
             I will never forget
                         you
                              and me
                                        and us.