Twas the night before classes, when all through the campus
Many students were stirring, just trying to understand this
Their bookbags were hung in their places with care
In hopes that the next morn they’d all be prepared
The books were nestled all snug on their shelves;
Too heavy to carry, too expensive to sell
And with moms long-departed, and a few fathers' tears,
They settled their brains for a long college year.
When along came a thought, and I awoke with a clatter,
“What if I’m not ready? What if I never matter?”
“What if I can’t handle all the work and the pressure?”
“What if I can’t connect with my class or professor?”
“What if I was all wrong - about this major or dream?”
“What if things aren’t as simple as I want them to seem?”
“What if I’m just a failure? What if I lose my way?”
“What if everything changes? What then can I say?”
I pondered these thoughts, as I wandered these lots
The deserving unnerving of fearful freshmen fraught
And I walked til I was tired, and thought til I expired
When a sweet, heavenly sound lifted my gazes higher
Off in the distance, a soft song was ringing
The echo of bells in a chorus of singing
And I looked to it’s source, where I saw a bright light
As though heaven itself wished to brighten this night
The sound was so faint, but the message so clear -
My time was now, and my place was here.
I am READY to do this - my life begins now.
And I WON’T fall for fears or my pride or my doubts
And I WON’T be defeated by work this semester
And I WON’T be brought down by these stupid peer pressures
And I WON’T be unraveled by trials and problems
And I WON’T be afraid to admit when I can’t solve them
Because I WILL rock my classes, and let them be my guide
And I WILL make new friends, and remain by their side
And I WILL try new things and discover adventure
And I WILL spend my years with new questions and answers
So I stopped. And I breathed. And I felt very blessed.
And I turned towards my room to make sure I got rest.
And the sound of those bells never faded from my mind
And they never will - as long as stars shall shine
Twas the night before classes, when all through the campus
Many students were stirring, too excited to stand it.
And I slept by the glow of the tower’s golden light, saying
“Welcome one, welcome all, and to all a good night.”
Live Reading:
I hope this brings you encouragement and prepares you for some of the best years of your life. Whether you are a student at Baylor or anywhere else, I would encourage you to share this poem with them to give them some fire as they begin their journeys.
I am excited for all of you. Sic 'em.