Five Thousand of Us

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Caren Krutsinger.

This was my graduation with an Elementary Education B.A. degree from National Louis University in August of 1990. Of course it actually happened. I had attended 18 colleges by that time, and finally graduated (because my husband was always moving us). I am happy to report that this is still a memory that I am most proud of. My chidren were 18, 17, 16, and 13 at the time. The one who yelled was my 17 year old foster daughter who had no filters.

August 1996 Five thousand graduates Rosemont Horizon Convention Center Chicago Illinois We were identical from a distance Five thousand of us in black robes With faces too small to decipher I saw my family Without hesitation I stood and made a giant leap Standing on my chair. Waving my hat. There’s MOM! Two of my children said. Never been more proud Sixty five others jumped on their chairs But it was too late. Poor them.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Sally Eslinger

Date: 11/18/2020 8:15:00 PM

Brilliantly joyous! Wish I knew you in person! Keep up the writing!

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 11/19/2020 4:22:00 PM

You know me better, I am more open on paper Sally.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 11/17/2020 8:29:00 PM

Very nice! What a great moment! To the other 65 -- Happy Landings. lol. Mazel Tov, as they say in Chinese. Glad For Yu

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 11/18/2020 5:52:00 AM

Too bad; so sad as the saying goes. Snicker. Snicker.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 11/17/2020 9:22:00 AM

This is my story exactly although I started my degree in my forties a BA and then whilst waiting for my results decided to do my honors in Biblical studies, so I did, and at 48 I got my honors with Ricky my son clapping whistling and saying 'Look that's my mom' - they are so proud - he was 14. I have faved this poem Caren because it is like I was there with you and you at both my graduations. Blessings and hugs, Jennifer.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 11/17/2020 5:42:00 PM

I am so honored Jennifer. There is nothing like a bunch of kids screaming MOM when you have taken 20 years to get your BA. I was 38 at the time!