at what lengths
are you willing
to take steps
to gain acceptance
achievement, status
there are lines
that people develop
based on personal
values of upbringing
priorities of
social interactions
triaged for decision
defining who you are
-Jennie Nawrocki
exploring avenues
as the collegiate
gates open
discovering that
field of study
leading to a career
some may have wanted
others found intriguing
through difficult exams
hours of lectures
all-nighters of study
while gaining
independence of self
for friends found
help you
hone and develop
personality traits
through events
sad with disappointment
mad with betrayal
hilarious with laughter
enduring closely all the
happy memories
forming the
individual you are
as an adult
after those collegiate
gates close
-Jennie Nawrocki
feelings uncertain
for what was real
seems no longer
as the ups and downs
been so frequent
concepts to hold
become jumbled messes
blocking everything
all abilities
from understanding
what one is
supposed to feel
from the beginning
-Jennie Nawrocki
ever so much
there is
something held
a thought
belief or idea
this is what
will come
feelings, events
alter perceptions
we don’t fight
though we
quell the fear
as past mishaps
weigh decisions
moving away
negativity of tomorrow
allows one
to enjoy
the day
with those
that have
been there
all along
-Jennie Nawrocki
a piece
small possible selective
though still important
for within
its contribution
everything seems
unconnected, mismatched
missing these
pivotal requirements
nothing is left
or forgotten
holding onto
love felt
reminds us
that no one
is perfect
though all
are important
for this
is not a game
relationships are
not pawns
we are
a community
that depends
on each other
to treat everybody
with empathy
respect and
utmost compassion
-Jennie Nawrocki
penaugural 