Become a Book Nerd
When you’re not reading books, read our newsletter.
By @Madison
So I waited
And freedom came to me the next week
With the coming of a B+ grade
And the seniors’ graduation.
I watched from the sidelines for that last part
Knowing I wouldn’t make that walk until next year.
There was a small stab of envy, I’ll admit
As I watched them parade into the school parking lot in their baggy white gowns
Laughing and crying as they threw their caps into the air
At the cue of parents’ and photographers’ snapping cameras.
It was obvious that their freedom was much more long-lasting than mine
As they drove full-speed toward their destinies
Eventually stopping at a two-way street
One path a shortcut to adulthood
Advising to stop worrying about cashing in on their acceptance letters, if they have any
And take a job waiting tables or dialing random phone numbers behind a desk
Footloose and academic-free.
The other road, long and winding
Leading towards the promise of healing, reporting
Preaching or teaching
As long as you’re willing to put yourself through another four to eight years
Of being under a few professors’ thumbs.
As dizzying as it was
I wouldn’t find myself on that street just yet
Still too young and inexperienced to make that call.
Todd stood beside me as we watched
Obviously not sharing my sentiment.
The vacant look on his face made it clear
He wasn’t planning on making it as far as the upperclassmen in front of us.
Silently, I make a bet with myself
That he’ll probably drop out by the end of next years’ first semester.
Once the seniors pile into the limos the school provided
The spectators begin to clear out.
Todd yawns and loops an arm around my waist.
“Well, that was nice,” he says.
“But Ryan Moses’ party tonight will probably be a lot more fun. Wanna go?”
When you’re not reading books, read our newsletter.
Join the conversation