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

For no matter where I roam,

Across the stars or overseas

Part of my heart will always be

With this place, my second home

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

Poem by Hannah Calderazzo

Design by Erin McLoughlin