And together we will watch the egrets spread giant white fingers of feathers, flap and rise through marsh grass toward rays of sunlight touching the bluff. Your cheeks were full and smooth Half-smiles of pleasure on your mouths. But you in your singleness, In your cinnamon-gold flurry of fourteen, The particular essence That is you. And in your June circle On the green grass hill, Cheeks more angular, Voices more sure, Smiles more certain, We realized We love you. If the angel deigns to come, it will be because you have convinced him, not by your tears, but by your humble resolve to be always beginning.
Golden beginnings light our magic saffron wings waiting still and shy.
The following was written for our students Spring 1998. We presented it to the class and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. We gather you all like bright orange blossoms in our arms and dance you around the marine layer where your light blazes across the horizon, hopeful, golden, and bright.