eighteen years
planning ending moments
but continuing to look back.

we'll disappear
and leave empty hallways
lockers, classrooms, and minds.

those too will go.
eventually.

yellowed photos cracked with age
sliding between fingers
pictures upon pictures
of faces with childlike smiles
and eyes blinded by flashes

remember us.
hands raised in victory
heads laid in defeat
innocence lost
intelligence gained
smiles with faces
and faces with miles
of memories.

remember us.
eager and afraid
somber and sober
legs tense with
the urge to run
but with hope
someone will hold us back
someone will ask us to stay.

oversized robes
shadows of days
wearing mother's dresses
or father's boots.

tassles turning
and turning and turning
but never pointing.
a bit of engraved paper
opening the gates
giving permission to leave.

we are realeased.