The morning unfurls,
blessed by the golden sun that blooms in bright and cozy warmth.
The campus gates open wide,
and the place begins to breathe alive.

Little voices become louder and louder, footsteps multiply.
Gentle at first, then heavier as the crowd gathers.
Soon the students arrive in every shade and kind,
some in pairs, some with arms entwined.

They are welcomed by a riot of colors all around.
Awe lingers on their faces,
as if they wish this wonder could live on.
Their eyes wander to fun-filled booths and food stalls,
ever so inviting, decorated with creativity and kaleidoscopic charm.

Drapes, flowers, and banners dangle and dance with the wind.
Handmade tokens and crafts glow with their own kind of magic.
The whiff of waffles and buns drizzled with lemons drifts through the air, ever tempting and so irresistible.

Music strays in different rhythms and tempos.
Banter, chatter, and laughter echo and collide.
A rumble of sounds, yet never too much for the ears to hear.

Even as the sun climbs higher and the heat grows hotter,
the crowd in the field remains alive, bustling with movement,
and a chaos of energy to call.

Freshmen stroll amazed and eager,
in their sleeves they carry new beginnings.
Seniors buzz and hustle like their lives are at stake,
they themselves become walking energy drinks.
Even so,
their smiles never falter,
their spirit never wanes.

Everywhere, energy spills into color.
Courage hangs in red curtains,
ambition glimmers in white tokens,
joy unfolds in yellow paper flowers glowing open.
The air itself is painted with creativity, curiosity, and endless possibilities.
And in that very moment,
beneath the blazing sun,
the hues do more than decorate the campus,
they weave and bring everyone together,
a celebration of both what they are now, and what they are becoming.

Free Verse by Renzaissance