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Karnes County's newspaper

(published on May 21, 2008)

Graduation Day

Well folks, another year has gone by and hundreds of thousands of young people will graduate from high school, college and other kinds of educational institutions.

I have attended many such commencements but I admit that high school graduations are my favorites.

I imagine that is natural because I spent most of my educational career working with high school students.

So this column is mostly for high school graduates, but the rest of you may read along if you so desire.

I know very few of the seniors graduating in this area. Be that as it may, I knew, taught and loved a group of young people that graduated in 1961. They were not the only group I taught and loved but they are the class I wrote a poem for and read at their graduation. Following is that poem.

I Dare You

 

I dare you to spit in this world’s eye

I dare you to smile, instead of cry.

I dare you to be happy, and not to complain,

I dare you to look for sunshine, instead of rain.

I dare you to give and then give some more,

I dare you to be generous to the sick, the poor.

I dare you to look for the good in man,

I dare you to lend them a helping hand.

I dare you to be honest, with yourself and others,

I dare you to become good fathers and mothers.

I dare you to establish a Christian home,

I dare you to be faithful and not to roam.

I dare you to try to better your life.

I dare you to battle through this strife.

And before this life for you is through,

I hope you will accept a dare or two!

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