worse instead of better

 much accomplished

three recycling bins filled

with old scripts and stories

and shredded financial statements

from decades ago

but no progress visible yet

to eyes other than my own

in fact, my home looks worse

than ever with empty and half-filled

boxes in every corner of every room

please come and look at the acreage

and the view of mountain peaks

but do not ask to peek

inside the house – it’s a mess

“I can fly!”

graduation is like that small flutterby

flapping red wings, flashing sunshine

crying, “See me!  Look upon

what I have accomplished!”

a moment of realizing self-worth

a high point or a gathering of strength

preparing to take on further challenge

a ceremony only enhances the feeling

of being of value and able to assume

the next stage of adulthood knowing

the foundation earned