I was really honored to be nominated by my MFA program to write a poem for the undergraduate commencement at Pine Manor College. This poem was to celebrate their graduation after one of the most difficult years: “Now That This Is Over, What Do You Plan To Do Next?”
It took me a while to get centered on what I wanted to write about. I titled it with the question every graduate hears the moment they walk out of commencement. There is a feeling that when a chapter closes, you need to know exactly what is on the next page. But after the fury and grief of the past year, I thought it was important to sit with the feeling of accomplishment. Sit with the joy of success. Take a pause and just be.