Poem for the K.U. Leuven Graduation Ceremony 2024

Looking at you

Looking at you, I see

I see the roots entwined between you and we can no longer know where each one is growing from

I see the nights of no home, I see the days of new-found light

I see everything that leaves a trace behind as the library tower bells

I see coffee stains on flying papers; may they fly high

Words that set you on fire and then washed you with waves

The efforts never lost; may they fly high

Looking at you, I see

I see two joining hands, the fingers that now recognise each other,

I see your skin caught up in the Belgian rain

The wind on your forehead as you walk and the heated summer stones

I know that

Some come from the sun, others from the ocean, sometimes from an island

Some didn't really know why or how they got here

Some have always known

And now in your palms a new creation awaits

Because you wanted to hold on, even when you felt small within yourselves, or immense in the midst of everything

Here, looking at you

I see that you've changed, loved, lived, evolved, loved, loved, loved

Whether you come from sand or rock

From a volcano or from a noisy city

There's a new home inside you

Silence, friendship, laughter and joy - you all belong here

Looking at yourselves

Looking at each other

May you whisper

Love with your soul

Feel with your mind

Think with your heart -

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