So here you are and you are almost grown.
The seeds of your youth are almost sewn.
You have such a great life, yet to live.
There is still so much you have to give.

High school went by in the blink of an eye.
Now you can accomplish whatever you try.
The whole wide world is waiting for you.
You will be successful, whatever you do.

A mind and heart full of music and art,
You were wonderful, right from the start.
Always full of love, thoughtful and kind,
With the welfare of others on your mind.

May we say this often and say it loud:
Parents and grandparents are very proud!
As we all love you, every single day,
There will never be enough we can say.

While you go off to college and beyond,
You and your family have a special bond,
That keeps you deep inside of our hearts,
With a caring and love that never departs.

So now that your graduation day is here,
Next you will embark on a college career.
Good luck and have fun, wherever you roam.
Always remember your loved ones at home.

This is just a simple verse,
With words concise and clear.
Life would be so wonderful,
Sans violence and fear.

What a fine world it would be,
If people thought like this:
No man strikes another man.
We’d all live lives of bliss.

I would never kill a man,
Even if it saved my life.
I could never shoot a gun,
Nor stab him with a knife.

Life by far is too important.
It means too much to me,
For it gives my soul a purpose,
Allows my soul to see.

That is why I hate abortion.
It does not make good sense.
When it comes to life or death,
I’m never on the fence.

When it’s time to leave the earth,
When all is said and done,
I’ll be proud I did not kill,
Not once beneath the sun.

(Published by The Society of Classical Poets Literary Journal, June 20, 2019)