Your year got chipped away
until even your own bones
felt hollowed out.
Graduation is a time to revel,
not be rigid.
It’s not fair,
you all said,
and you’re right.
You climbed and climbed
and when you got to the top,
they turned off the view.
But turn around
because there is a view
you didn’t expect
and it’s vaster
than you could have imagined.
Don’t you see,
being class of 2021
is a badge
of honour.
When they thanked you
for your sacrifice,
it bounced off you like tin
but did you consider
that the word sacrifice
comes from sacred.
What you gave up
is worthy of reverence.
You didn’t get a prom
but you can stand proud
on that mountain.
What you’re looking at
is your future
and a world
that will always cherish you
as the class
that gave up so much
in return
for awe.