Graduation Song forAoife

[Intro]
Aoife stands on the limestone edge.
Westport air tastes like iodine and salt.
The black robe catches the Atlantic gale.
Clew Bay is a sapphire shield today.
(The mountains are watching you leave)
Pack the trunk with heavy leather books.
Goodbye to the silhouette of Croagh Patrick.
The N59 is a ribbon of gray.
We drive past the grazing sheep.
Your degree sits on the passenger seat.
It smells like fresh ink and victory.
(The road is wide and open)
No more late nights in the library.
The silent rows of wooden carrels.
You traded the student card for brass.
Galway waits with her cobblestone teeth.
The Corrib river is running fast.
It matches the pulse in your wrist.
(Everything is moving forward now)
High ceilings in the new law firm.
The polished oak of the partner’s desk.
Your nameplate is a mirror of intent.
Torts and contracts piled like cordwood.
Aoife, the advocate in the storm.
The city of tribes claims you now.
Shop Street is singing your name.
(The bells of St. Nicholas ring)
Throw the mortarboard into the clouds.
It looks like a crow in flight.
The festival begins at the Spanish Arch.
We drink to the long-distance climb.
The summit is just the beginning.
Your laughter is a bright trumpet blast.
(The joy is a physical weight)

[Outro]
From the coast to the courtroom.
Aoife, the world is leaning in.
Listen to the city breathe.
The future is a heavy, beautiful thing.
(It belongs to you)
(It is finally yours)