Coming Home Returning one last time I draw near to the end A final chapter looms close With so much left unsaid Treasuring the memories Of the years I’ve carried here Times of heartbreak, times of joy Grief, giving, laughter, noise Finding friends for life, to endure the years Whether they are far or near Meeting many so wise and so kind Sparking brilliance of language and mind Riding buses, bright green lawns Hearing Turlington plaza’s hums The canopies of hanging oak Buildings brick and ivy cloaked Tower high with bold bells ringing Karaoke night with singing Late night essays, Starbucks runs Cheering crowds, readings begun Libraries filled with ancient books Lakes of gators, study nooks Bats fly against the setting sun So much to do, but already done Now here I stand in robe and cap The future sprawled out—a blank map It twists and turns, goes here and there But as I go forward, I don’t despair For no matter where I roam, Across the stars or overseas Part of my heart will always be With this place, my second home Poem by Hannah Calderazzo Design by Erin McLoughlin
26
Spring 2021
