Poem for the Boys

On Graduation, c. 2007

Nicolas, Benjamin, Will and Chris
set out to sail the sea
in boats made from their years at school
and life with family

A graduation sun will shine
to light their journey’s start
as William and Nicolas, Chris and Ben
hoist sail and soon depart

Good tools they have to speed them on
bright talent, mind, and heart
mathematics, language, science too,
and skill and eye and art

Some storm will surely threaten,
and toss their boat askew
but smartly they will hang the wind
and tightly sail it through

Some siren call will lure them,
some devil beckon hence,
but knowing of their inner heart
they’ll strongly re-commence

None know what port or destiny
Their fortune has fortold
starving in some garret loft
or pockets lined with gold

But love will spirit each good ship
and guide it truly on
as Benjamin, Christopher, Will, and Nick
our hopes will rest upon.