As his black gown swaying…

Across the screen, miles away from home,
Her tears fall softly on a phone screen bright.
Years of lonely shifts in distant lands,
Through weary dawns and heavy, silent nights.

She watches him walk up to take his prize,
A black gown swaying, smile so proud and clear.
Her sacrifices bloom before her eyes,
Erasing every ache and distant year.

She holds her chest, her heart overflowing now—
Her boy, a graduate, her greatest dream.
Though oceans lie between them for a time,
Her love shines brightest in that golden beam.

                               Gloria Ruiz