On the Red Carpet and Beyond

On the Red Carpet and Beyond They want a red carpet theme for their school leavers' ball. This is my didactic rendering. Today you are stars and the red carpet is spread Rolled out for you to, with cool class, tread For in this movie aptly called, Life in High School, You've starred remarkably as hero, villain and fool. Romance, sport, drama, every possible genre To your credit, you have done much honour So the carpet is red, out there quite ready to greet Snazzy outfits, suits, gowns and well-heeled feet But remember, dear friends, today is but just a day The lights, they will sizzle, pop and then fade away And once we are done with the glitz and glamour Of the raucous laughter and all the clamour Life will move on and the carpet will, in the distance recede You will be thrust into a world that will judge your every deed It will be harsh, cruel, nasty, full of spite 'Twill touch every nerve throw challenges tight Yes, today is your day and the red carpet is there Enjoy what it offers, even its tiniest fare Recall memories of the many moments spent Of the mischief and the rules you quietly bent But remember there is tomorrow when the lights go out And you begin to struggle, wondering what life's all about When the carpet upon which you did gracefully stroll Has given way to terrain where you stumble, ride or roll. You will have life, on a red carpet, just for today What tomorrow brings no Oracle can truly say Still, when upon that carpet you tread tonight Look back, smile, and say, I have done alright." Look ahead, also, when for the cameras you pose Look in to the future and with daring suppose All that you can, with your many talents achieve So that, in your life, many gifts this world will receive.