Tailgate Graduation

Four years of classes after shifts A lunchbox full of pencil bits The storm shut down the school parade I brought my folded gown back home My sister said, come out and see The whole yard waiting there for me Tailgate graduation Rain can't take the celebration Pass that paper hand to hand Everybody helped me stand Dad hung a tarp between two trucks Mom had the cake all wrapped up My boy put on my crooked cap And asked if I was finished learning Tailgate graduation Rain can't take the celebration Pass that paper hand to hand Everybody helped me stand I told him no, not by a mile There's always something left to try He took a pencil from my coat And drew us underneath that tarp Tailgate graduation Rain can't take the celebration Pass that paper hand to hand Everybody helped me stand That drawing hangs beside the frame Two kinds of paper, both my pride