Friday 27 July 2012

Hats Off!


I think I assumed
that the hats and boards
evaporated in mid air
or hovered like
ungainly ceremonial birds.

I did not know
that after the moment
when the hats are thrown
into the blue sky
in a gust of laughter
you are surrounded
by the rush of air
and the soft sound
of felt and velvet
hitting the ground.

This year, for the first time,
I stood among the academics
and the hats and boards
rained down joyfully upon us.

10 comments:

  1. Hurray for you, Alice! (And I can't wait for the opening ceremony Friday - it will be broadcast at 6:30p our time, so not live, but that's OK.)

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  2. a magical moment for those new graduates, and a time for you to beam proudly.

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  3. A truly joyful photo to start another truly joyful day in this country.

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  4. A wonderful uplifting photo.

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  5. terrific turnout from everyone in all senses

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  6. It's a great moment - but who took the photo?

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  7. AnonymousJuly 27, 2012

    what is the collective noun for a gathering of academics ? not something boring like a faculty though

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  8. I still remember tossing mine into the air all those years ago.

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  9. AnonymousJuly 27, 2012

    What a lovely image! Coincidentally, I was driven past that University last Sunday. Big - isn't it?

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