The Bulldog Goes Off To College

Childhood's false forever Has met its end, ephemeral as it was, This fresh adult now stolen into our lives while we weren't looking Now directs the actors, sets the stage For her curtain call. She knows not yet what audience awaits On that curtain's further side; But be they friend or foe, ally or adversary She means to wow them all With the perfect performance she asks of herself. Nothing less will do. The world turns on in its careless way, One day ends in another's beginning, Sunset chases sunrise Marching between eternity's open gates Each is given their little space to take the stage To shine against the pressing dark. In my head a little girl runs laughing towards the sunset. I turn, and a young woman returns, trailing the sunrise. We turn together, play out our parts With every turn I love her all the more.