Graduation Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

we'll heap gardenias on the stage

and sing together only the true songs

from the heart like a petal folded down


to mark this space, this transition

others made before us too.

and in the chapel of ourselves recall


the universe we studied the pale green halls and feel

one course finished, another yet to start and so we pause

like trembling stars in the early evening


and wait to play our part

seal off the exits that fear may not enter in this day

nor war nor sickness tragedy that bears so many away


too young. God make us sure in the way that we must go but now

hold us still in the rose bower of this hour

and let the spell be cast through mingled prayers and tears


that makes the fragrant moment last and last

beyond the felling of the years.


mary angela douglas 13 april 2020