After Graduating Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

It is often said.
Learning does not end.
But actually begins.
After one graduates,
Away from safe hallways in schools.
With degrees earned and received.
To face reality that awaits.
And that last long look,
At dormitory life.
Reminiscing those marathon party nights.
Gone.
Yet...
Still unprepared to accept.
That big step into the World.
And reality to regret it next.

Books researched and read.
Gives not a hint or clue,
About how one approaches...
Overdue student loans.
Or a home that has a second mortgage on it.
To pay for one's higher education.
Jobless and living at home.
In the basement possessing a PhD.
Over qualified and residing in disbelief.
How cruel reality.
And the events of it can be.

"Remember this? "

Of course I remember it.
Its a shovel.

"Great.
We're making progress.
Outside, believe it or not, is snow."

And...?

"I remember how you took this shovel.
In your hands.
And removed the snow."

Excuse me?
I have a PhD in Philosophy.

"Of course you do.
And proud of you I am.
Now,
Take this shovel...
In your educated hands.
And clear the driveway of snow.
Before I become overwhelmed with craze.
Remembering how hundreds of thousands of dollars,
Spent to get you through college.
And you sit in the basement in 'my' house.
Jobless with a PhD.

There are several things,
That comes to mind what I could do...
With this shovel.
But I'm not qualified like you,
To sit.

"I like the way you put that.
Sometimes life and the reality of it,
Can be difficult.
And painful."

True.
Your 'philosophy'?
It works.
I was getting very close,
Of serving you up a touch of pain.
Life to live is better done,
To know when to shovel away...
A pointless argument.
And preventing a broken kneecap.

"What?
Huh? "