Graduation

Looking back, nothing happens gradually.
The baby that fitted in the crook of my arm
was a toddler was a schoolchild was a
sixth former was a university student.
And now here she is,
with her own flat and a car and a career,
back here for graduation day. In no time
she’ll be calling to check how I am
and preparing herself for my gradual decline.
But today is today, kid. Throw that
mortar board high in the air and celebrate.
Let’s go eat and drink wine. For tomorrow
is tomorrow. And it will come.

Holding On