I was asked a few years ago to write a poem that would be appropriate for a class reunion, and especially one that would recognize those classmates who would be forever, unable to attend. The following was the result of that request. But today, I was reminded that the graduation season is again upon us and that, in but a few short years, today’s grads will be having their own reunions, and all of the “good old days” of high school or college as the case may be, will be remembered by those who are “able” to attend. With that being said, I will pray that all of this year’s grads will be in attendance for many, many reunions. So please be careful, you don’t want to be on the “Honors” list anytime soon.
I know I should have posted this earlier in the month, but it is never too late for good advice. Congratulations again to all of the recent graduates. “Live long and prosper” as Star Trek’s Mr. Spock would say..
Jake.
Remember them always not as classmates but as friends.
HONORS
[class reunion]
When memories, with time do fade,
then gentle reminders need be made.
That what is now
has not always been.
Come, let’s remember,
our lost friends.
Remember when they walked the halls,
and by their nicknames they were called.
Their demeanor’s
and their smiles,
and for some,
their funky styles.
Remember the studious,
the clown, the jock,
the spirit free, not bound by clock.
But, whichever class
you see them in,
they were classmates, and our friends.
May They Rest Now In Peace.
Jack Downing
June 2010
Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author. JRD. 6/23/13
poemsandponderings 
Honor is a good word. Part of the Soldier creed. A amazing poem.
Thank you John, as you most likely have experienced, the best of our works usually flow without an inordinate amount of labor, as this one did. The word Honor in this poem was also inspired by the term “Honor Roll” that is used in the scholastic as well as the militaristic setting. Thank you again for your much appreciated comments.. Jake.
I’ve always had my phone number in the book, never private in case someone from high school or college would like to call. No one ever has. Seems someone out there would google my name and find my blog – no to that too.
Be careful what you wish for Carl. If you hit the lottery tomorrow you’ll have plenty of old “friends” and family looking for you..
Great tribute poem. I have reconnected with quite a few from high school days mainly through my rampant Facebooking but some even follow my blog now which is somewhat satisfying for some reason!
I think it’s the “Hey look at me now” syndrome. Better known as the Na, Na, Na, Na, Na syndrome. lol
Reblogged this on The Matter of Life and Death and commented:
Graduation celebration time again, friends going away for the summer, to college, to work, to serve their country…but don’t forget the ones who have gone on to Heaven and will be here in our memory. The poem is a good reflection on times past, moments lived.