The highest tribute

Pompe and circumstance, the graduates enter
the energy pulsates, and they are the center

awards are given, pictures snap
tassles switch, nestled on caps

a speech is read, driving home the desire
the words are powerful, as an eternal fire

the audience claps, he receives an extra prize
he is the only one for whom they will all rise

a standing ovation, screams of honor and pride
their claps and bellows strengthen his slow stride

diplomas handed, the crowd lingers
they shake hands and point fingers

they disperse, no one is there now
just the graduate, he wonders how

the event leaves an impression, the world to face
he has done so much, alone he must finish the race

for my class mates of 2007 i will miss you and leave you simply with this poem