Following the Inner Light

This poem honors the high school graduation of my third grandchild—an emotional experience with pride, memories, hope and good wishes for the future.

The day promises vibrant sunshine,
after clouds of smoke 
driven from fires of the north, 
bend southward into lungs,
into heart, clouding vision, slowing life,
as we shelter indoors in safety.

We then rise out into the world, 
gather in friendship and love, 
encourage each other to live fully 
as the days grow longer,
and we edge toward summer solstice
and ancient fire and drum celebrations.

We lift our praise to a light that shimmers 
and feeds our souls, as we look through haze, 
and drift into the arms of the beloved, 
celebrating the life we live. 
We honor the one who prepares to leave home,
as he follows the inner light of curiosity.

Drawn to live an adventure beyond the familiar, 
he steps into an unknown vision of what life is to be. 
Steps into a path towards maturity, inner voice, 
inner authority, and strength of character. 
He steps into choices made and courageously moves into 
a world that waits for him—waits for a new creative force.

“The light within us is enough to brighten the world around us.”
― Bhuwan Thapaliya