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Whittier College graduate
standing against
stone wall
smiling
for the camera
as black robe
opens to reveal
the beautiful dress
bought
just so you
could receive
your diploma
in style.
You stand proud
in front of
mother, sister
on a deserted
campus.
No ceremony.
No pomp.
No circumstance.
No crowds
to witness
your moment
on this sunny day
in May 2020.
So much closed
in this city,
in this country,
this world.
Even so
I head to work
by myself
in a lonely office.
Arrive,
park the car,
get out
and walk
by the empty
eyebrow threading salon.
Hear voices,
echoes from
another time.
Candid conversation
between
client and owner…
the laughter
of ghosts
a kind of haunting
the young graduate
will never have
of her day
on the stage.
Ages will pass
but that moment
never will.
©2020 Joanne Young Elliott
