Reunion

I went to my high school reunion:
I wasn't sure what to expect.
Would those we once held so high
Retain our aged respect?

High school cliques had disappeared;
our hearts at last included all.
We understood, as our days grew short,
our differences must grow small.

The grey in our hair and slowness of step,
were the trophies of our days:
The wars we fought, the triumphs shared,
the loves lost while finding our ways.

Ups and downs and sideways of life
had been etched upon every face.
The joys and laughter and sadness
had given each an uncommon grace.

The reunion was nice, but I had learned
you really can't go home again
We were no longer those high school mates
Waiting for sixth period to end.

Friends remain pearls, diamonds the tears
but it's strangers we've become.
Faded photographs in a dusty box,
reminders that once we were young.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Rodrigues Avatar
October 12, 2021 at 4:37 PM
I only went to my 25th. I had a great time. Some of my classmates surprised to see me talk…no longer shy! Fun!
Peck Avatar
October 12, 2021 at 9:57 PM
I was pretty shy, too. It seems strange - most of them were part of our lives for twelve years and now we're strangers. I've remained good friends with three of them but that's all.
Ponnambalam Avatar
October 12, 2021 at 4:26 AM
Enjoyed reading this poem, Ann. Wise thoughts with wonderful rhyme. Welcome to the PoetrySoup Lifetimer.
Peck Avatar
October 12, 2021 at 9:59 PM
Thanks, for your nice comments, Michael.
Sambourne Avatar
May 12, 2021 at 7:40 AM
So many truthful insights in your poem. My high school reunion was marred by some needing to trumpet their success while casting slights to under achievers. A superb write in 'Reunion.' Best wishes, Brian
Peck Avatar
July 21, 2021 at 8:39 AM
It seems there are always those people. My suggestion is to wait til the 40th or 50th and then try. People have smoothed out by then,altho the hot number in high school still thought she was at the 50th :)
Bauer Avatar
February 17, 2021 at 1:49 PM
you've described this very well, ann, and your last two verses sum it all up quite brilliantly...
Peck Avatar
February 19, 2021 at 8:25 AM
Thanks for commenting, Ilene. Isn't that the truth! We thought we'd always care about each other, but forgetting comes too easily.
Leffanta Avatar
February 17, 2021 at 10:40 AM
I have never attended one, but my daughter shares your perspective! Aloha! Rico
Peck Avatar
February 19, 2021 at 8:26 AM
Aloha, Rico! Yes, sad but true.
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