thinking of commencement

each name is called in turn and then they pass
the lies they told the little fun each had
the ones who worked at being good the bad
each takes their steps on imitation grass
and up the stairs this is their final class
the last formal test each of them hotly clad
in cap and gown we watch each lass and lad
be singled out then merge back in the mass
let us not be too hasty they're all bold
ready to face the world or so they think
we know that most will truly make the try
at conquering life and then they will grow old
some will keep hope while others turn to drink
but right now they all cheer and parents cry