One last gaze near the end of day
As our white-clad teens wind their way
Past the crowds and the metal chairs
To find the doors by Bancroft's stairs.
With one last step, end childhood's ride;
Pass alone to the other side.

One long, last gaze across the bay
As steel-lipped dads turn heads away,
And love-filled moms dab reddened eyes-
Silently mouth their last goodbyes.
Yet in each chest swells boundless pride
As Theirs steps to the other side.

One last gaze back thirty-some years
To a crowded scene filled with tears.
I hugged my brother, sis, and dad,
Then dropped the ties to all I had.
Walked up the ramp with anxious stride;
Passed alone to the other side.

Indeed Life is such ebb and flow
That we must each in turn let go
Of all that which is truly dear
And take our step towards the rear.
Nodding then at what Life provides,
Having seen it all from both sides.

Keith Thurston