These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Back to School, Seniors of 2022

Back to school to earn your cap,
gown to show your grace,
choose your work from o'er the map,
write your lasting place.

Just nine months from now to the start
of life, that's truly new.
From graduation praise, depart
to leave the days now through.

But while you live this final year
of schooling memories
take moments here and there to clear
your day's anxieties.

The senior year is full of bliss,
and hopeful friendships made.
Unique for life are days like this
with honors, now displayed.

Fulfilling Math and Science complete,
all Histories are done.
Each artful elective is replete.
All tasks are now quite done.

That favorite teacher, stay in touch.
She dubbed your wondrous name.
Her character is made of such,
that calls your car the same.

The days will pass, and that quite soon.
The tears will flow right down.
The thrill of heart is o'er-the-moon,
but all that's gone, a frown.

You've learned a lot from those like you,
and those quite opposite.
Embrace the words you know are true,
and from the lies be quit.

The world expects you live as strong,
fulfill your spoken vows,
adulting days through work and song,
before the ancient bow.

To know great honor live it full
to pour on honest souls,
and then one day th'eternal pull
will show your lasting gold.

Please, know, Dear Child, all humans feel,
they have the answer, rare,
but Truth revealed is really real
with peace from lasting care.

Please, seek The One, Who made you first.
Your life will always last,
if to His Fountain you bring your thirst,
receiving His Gift for your past.

by Jay O’Toole
on August 17th, 2021