This poem was written in 1988 in celebration of the 20th reunion of the Livermore High Class of 1968. We have requested that the author, Vinny Salemme, allow us to post it now, in reflection of our 40th reunion: Reunion The night was a magical fantasy. We were light years from reality, unbounded by time. We were not in the present where reality lives, but in both the future and past. We were drifting between the times that once were, and the visions of futures to be. It was much more than just a meeting of old friends. It was a warm euphoria of appreciation and congratulation, concern and compassion, reliving and forgiving, sharing and caring. We had all blossomed in unity for the first time; the seeds had always been there. We had struggled and grown together; playing and competing, laughing and learning, fighting and loving. We then ventured forth, often alone; trying and reaching, falling and failing, needing and succeeding. We had returned home. Cliques had vanished, families were flourishing. Our competition was gone. We had won a great battle; self-acceptance. We were happy for each other. We were mesmerized forever, it lasted for hours, then faded into days. Timelessness – to be slowly awakened by the dawn of reality. We wondered if it was real; could it ever be again? To those not present, you were there in our thoughts. The warmth in our hearts reached out; you were truly missed. In leaving I ask; may the Deity which knows and loves, cares and creates, protects and heals; watch over you ‘til we meet again – until forever. |