That Should've Been Me

Scrolling past endless graduation gowns

Caps and togas left and right

#Gradwaiting in captions, full of glee

Yet I hate myself for even thinking,

"That should've been me."

It was my choice.

Yet I still grieve for the years I lost.

What should've been? What could've been?

At what cost?

It may be the wicked way of the system, come as it may–

But just this once, let my heart be grey with despair, envy, and dismay

They say delayed is not denied and life is no race,

But it's limited and countered when behind peers' pace

A train of thought stationed in the back of my head

No matter how big I dream...I guess time just isn't my friend

This season celebrates accomplishment and determination

For us still here in school halls, it's tenacity and the courage to move on

To shed light on those whose grips on the cap fell loose

Our time will come, not now but soon

Let your heart cry with pain and hope

Grieve what's lost, draw courage and cope

Clap hard, cheer loud for those you see today

Because I know...

It will be your turn one day.