Memory is an inexplicable thing
Grandson’s high school graduation the scene
Present tense gave way when the music began
Magnet of past time
Drew me back through the years
Feelings surged from an abyss
Formerly unknown.
In grade school I was taught
The Pledge of Allegiance and Star Spangled Banner
Instilling within me love of my country
Now bursting like stars while we sang
And we pledged hand over heart
At the high school graduation
A deep sadness welled up.
Once taken for granted
Could we possibly lose
Old glories, good virtues
Respect and forbearance
Kindness, equality, justice and love?
I pray for a future beyond present tense
Safe for all the world’s children.
poetrybyheart.me 
Fabulous!
Thanks, Nigel.
That truly was wonderful!
Thanks, Dale. The words have been trying to get out since Friday night. Writing can be a kind of birthing I think.
I so agree!
welling up from the happiness, the sadness and fear is palpable
Thank you, Paul. Your empathy connects me to my feelings all over again.
You explain well the different emotions going through you at the grad ceremony. I hope that the generation you write of makes it a priority to maintain humanity. As you suggest, it is a scary time. Thanks for your beautiful poem xx
Thanks for your comment. These are troubling times indeed.