End of an Era

Class of ‘23

We’re all high achievers,

Typical type A’s

What other nut do you think would’ve signed up for this phase

20 months of relentless learning

Juggling jobs, families

And events in life that don’t wait,

But now that it’s done,

How do you feel?

Elated I’m sure, but do tell me,

For real?

I doubt you’ll pause,

I know you …maybe I’m wrong

But I have to say this,

Give it a listen please,

You owe it to yourself ..

Are you afraid to come off a high?

Do you live life hiding from the lows,

Trying to jump from peak to peak

Knowing that’s not sustainable,

Knowing you’ll slip and fall

And when you do

You beat up upon yourself

For not standing tall

For not doing it all

You sulk and sour

And wonder why life is so dour

Feel restless till your next quest

Choose another goal post for yourself

Atop a hill again, at its very peak

So you’re back to chasing that heady rush

Adrenaline junkie, back on that bus

I’m unpausing, unafraid you tell yourself

I’m not shy to challenge myself

Really?

You’re not running away from the stillness?

Away from yourself

You’re not busy planning your next goal? 

Pausing is uncomfortable,

Who wants to spend time with their soul?

Can you please!!!!

Mind this gap

For a minute, for a while?

Take it all in, you’ve run so many miles,

Can you please smile and let it sink in?

Luxuriate in some slow motion…

Hug yourself, and your loved ones,

Deeply, taking the time

Applaud yourself for everything you’ve done,

Please be kind,

Give it a rest, live life for a bit,

Life’s not an endless conquest

Nor a test

This race we think we’re in

That last stop is a dead end

So please, I beg you, pause,

Watch some sunsets, savor the dullness

Cherish it all with a few laughs, be bored, take naps

Take time to pledge the connections you’ve made during this time

Your world has expanded with knowledge and friends

Just BE! 

Trust me 

 it’s not a crime!

I’m not telling you not to aspire,

But can you soften that grip some? 

Change your stance?

Don’t bend so aggressively over those handlebars

Lean back a bit and smell some flowers, do a dance?

Can you slow down please,

Quell that constant need to foresee every uncertainty

Let the stillness of life inspire!

Walk slowly, I’m not asking you to cease,

Safeguard that lovely burning fire

The one that got you through this

Your beautiful unique light we all admire

But please, don’t just don’t

Let life move on … without you even knowing,

Until that very final crease

Wriggle your toes, 

feel that lovely breeze!

Your life is not what you want it to be,

It already Is!!!