Graduation

Let's see, how did this thing begin...?

So this is the end?
Is this how we conclude
This journey, dressed in white,
The sky overhead like a bright ocean
Where the "Great Porpoise in the Sky" waits for us,
And laughs while we cry.
I feel as light as the sunlight that fills the air
So brilliant, pure and clean.
Never have I been so free,
For this is as death.
Someone releases doves into the air,
They dance as they disappear.
They are our souls,
Winged and feathered.

With no wings and no wind
My comrades fly up with them
Higher and higher, for it is our birthright;
We have accomplished what we set out to do,
And can't stay here anymore.
We watch them become white pin pricks
On a blue dome.
I stand beside you, blinking away the tears.
If I were to speak, it would be of things long past.
I linger with you as long as I can,
But I must go.
I don't know what awaits me behind the sun, beyond the sky.
But my future is up there... somewhere.
You ask if I am afraid...

I look at you and smile,
I can still see the child in your eyes.
As I am now, you will be.
If it comforts you, think of me,
For if I am blessed with thought where I am going
I shall certainly think of you.
I wish our last embrace would last for an eternity
Or that you could come with me,
But your part is not over.
I wish you knew how glad I am
That you're here with me...

My time has come,
I know because I hear the clarion
Across the sea-sky.
I join my comrades
Higher and higher.
You still grope for my hand,
Desiring my touch.
But I have nothing left to give you.
Watch me disappear in the great blue,
Know that I leave you all with a tearful smile.

Good-bye, good-bye.