327 - Senior Class Ode

Senior Class Ode
By Bill Avner

No birches to swing upon,
Climbing vainly near the top,
But not too near;

No strong oak tree
Planted in the soil of knowledge
With deep and sturdy roots;

No Grecian Urn or drop of rain
To inspire our thoughts
And move us nearer to reverence;

And last, no love for existence
And all the values men put
Upon Nature and the Love of God.

In days of darkness when dimly glows the evanescence of long-forgotten moments;
In days of gloom when hope fails even to inspire a minute's peace;
In days of despair when faith grows weak from offensive attacks of
Life's reality;

What then is left?
What shall we do?
Where shall we turn?

328 - Senior Class Ode

In that death of life when weak men perish;
When strong men fail and power exists no more;

In the ends of our beginnings when light grows dark;
When warmth grows cold and faith despairs;

In the moment of truth when knowledge exists no more;
When wisdom falters and Life cries out in pain;

And death may come,
And pain may cease,
And life may end;

What then is left?
What shall we do?
Where shall we turn?

Some may say, "Who cares?"
Some may not speak at all.

A sort of quiet settles and a new light burns dimly in the corner of reality;

A slight wind (in soft seclusion) disturbs nothing but the silent grass;
Life yawns to begin a new day and opens sleepy eyes on a new tomorrow;

As the muscles of the earth quake with restrained vigor,
And as Need calls out for a new beginning,
Who will say, "I care!"
And who will answer the call of Life?