Poem for Convocation
 

I have been asked to read a poem on the program of this fall's Convocation for the entering freshman class at my university. Naturally, they want something that will emphasize themes of responsibility, maturity, individuality, self-discipline, finding one's direction in life, going off on one's own for the first time, excitement about the future, and so forth. I have considered the usual suspects ("Invictus," "If," "The Road Not Taken," etc.) but am not really happy with any of them. My own poems don't really fit the occasion, either. Does anyone have a suggestion? Or a poem?!

Inflictus

So long as Providence provides,
So long at Gratitude is grat,
So long as Abstinence abstins,
So long as Flatulence is flat,

So long as Persecution’s pers,
So long as Implication’s imp,
So long as Imperfection’s fect,
So long as Whimpering can whimp–

Clutched by fell Circumstance’s circ,
And smeared with Crapulence’s crap,
I’ll float flags on my Master’s mast
And sport my little Captain’s cap

And swear before Almighty might
That, faced with Criticism’s crit
And Castigation’s nasty cast,
I’ll speak no Bitterness’s bit.

R.S. Gwynn (see Met board.)

Inflictus would be fine! If you read Invictus or If, I swear I will track you down and make you apologize to all those fine young people if it takes the rest of my life.

As a setting-out-for-yonder poem, I've always liked the ending of Tennyson's
"Ulysses." Nothing can hit all those points, but that at least gets at enthusiasm and lofty goals. Will think further....

Ted Hughes' A March Calf.

Auden's 'Atlantis,' perhaps?

Actually, Julie, I'll second Ed's excellent suggestion.

"This Be the Verse." :eek:

There is actually an Auden poem he wrote specifically for such an occasion, or for an occasion very similar. I remember because of the highly unusual rhyme-scheme. The last foot of one line rhymed with the penultimate foot of the next.

Sadly, anything much longer than a sonnet is likely not fitting for the occasion. I would think two minutes would be the outer limit of the gathered throng's patience... ;)

Thanks,

Bill

Dylan's "Forever Young" (just the lyrics would be fine)
Dr Seuss "Oh the places you will go" (not his best work, but apt and cute)