do you like what you see?
staring back at you?
the cap with the dangling tassel
by your face
the oversized gown
the “kids” you grew up with
all around you  
they give you hugs and say “CONGRADUALATIONS”
why do we go through these motions?
I never was one of them
always on the outside.
the people who are
supposed to be at your side
vanish.

Almost done.

The last line forms
The one that leads you
To the end of the dark.
“Almost done” I whisper,
to myself,
and smile at the thought
as the camera snaps the moment
of “almost done”
she walks across the stage
but your hands don’t clap
you watch her and hold back
the tears, remembering all the
fights, but not the fun.  She glances
over her shoulder and smiles,
and I smile to for she has to
know this is all a lie
the lie of us.
I’m done.