Written June 3, 2009, for Melissa Ruggiero, on the occasion of her high school graduation. This will hopefully be meaningful to all those who find themselves on the precipice of a life changing transition, particularly high school, college graduates and perhaps newly single individuals…
A Privilege I Will Not Cede
Memories flood my mind
As my heart compiles the feelings I have gathered
Along with the wisdom I have earned
The precious moments I will always cherish
The friends I trust
The family I love
The mentors who have guided me
The people I admire
Let me hold still a while
To soak in the energy of their hopes for me
Genuinely revealed as if they were their own
A testament to everlasting bonds forged into my identity
Feeling the power of this insight
My own dreams begin stirring
Seeking to sprout forth from experiences I have yet to behold
A tapestry I will build in the years to come
Freedom’s wings flutter feverishly as I enjoy autonomy
Testing the limits of my vision
For my future is waiting for me to define it
A privilege I will not cede to blurry souls
