I thank the boy who sprinted into kindergarten,
beaming with joy in the halls that smelled of Elmer’s glue
only to stay indoors because of his asthma
while the other kids went to play outside.
Because in a chilly corner of the room with little light
He drew countless sketches of hermit crabs
In the old and delicate pages of a blank coloring book
And eventually became an artist
I thank the boy who stared into the face of adversity,
As his lack of courage weighed him down like an anchor
Slowly destroying his self confidence.
Because on a wooden theatre filled with people
His taciturn personality soon hid away
As he recited the thousands of words from his note-filled script
And eventually became a performer.
I thank the boy who endured the journey of childhood,
And persevered through the stabbing obstacles of life
Through great trial and error.
Because on top of the massive, lit up stage
He will finally grab his fancy diploma to graduate
As he will enter the unknown realm of adulthood
And eventually become a man.
