Another last come to pass

Nearly 8 years apart they are, so as one has moved on, the next has moved up, prolonging each phase in ways both new and familiar. But they pass nonetheless. Most of them here in town I drive by on occasion, feel the ghosts of our time there. Memories of another life it seems. The older they get, the more far flung. The more complete the separation of experience. I don’t have reason to go to the school much anymore. Drive through the countryside to that little town carved out of the cornfields. Soon I’ll have no reason at all. Tonight’s the last band concert. Next week the last award ceremony. Then the last graduation. It reminds me of that moment a glassblower raps the pipe to release the glass. Here is my work of art. Time to send it out into the world and hope it doesn’t get broken. I am not finding this easy, but some pains come with such a sense of honor and privilege, joy, nostalgia, sweetness… in the end, I simply feel. Some things are everything, and I can only carry it with me until time makes me accustomed to the load. For today, I just have a concert to enjoy. ❤️