The High School Graduate

For my son, Luke, on the occasion of his graduation

Capped and grown in wisdom hoary,
Robed in academic glory,
Marching through scholastic portals,
Far above us puny mortals,
His knowledge like a bolt is hurled.
Behold the Graduate, O World!

As Atlas did the globe bestride,
His learning stretches far and wide;
Like Socrates or ancient sages,
He presides o'er modern ages.
Philosophy bedews his brow
And Science at his feet does bow.

On Mount Olympus' lofty height
He sits serene, in splendor bright.
But just as Rome decayed and fell,
Such splendor must decay as well;
He wakes--omniscience is no more--
And finds himself a sophomore!

–Matthew W. Hanna