hyouhaku

Hello, everyone! I wrote you this poem, because I’m a poor public speaker.

See, when I see all of your pretty eyes staring, my voice tends to get weaker.

“Congratulations! You’ve finally made it!” Ah, to me that sounds so lyrical.

Because if you were to look at my past, you’d think my graduation was a miracle.

As my brother, Max, can testify, I was mean, disrespectful, and angry all the time.

To put simply, I would have been arrested in a second if being a punk were a crime.

But I spent most of my childhood searching for acceptance and masculinity.

While praying to God for forgiveness as a kid, I never accepted His divinity.

And all the while, He blessed me with parents that have always loved me to this day.

I guess I should say these things now, because next year, with you I will no longer stay.

Mom, your name is so fitting, because I don’t deserve someone like you.

You’ve taught me that it’s not money or romance, but only God that I should pursue.

Dad, I know we don’t speak much, because you’re not a big talker.

But when things are quiet, I always see you in prayer- I know, I’m a stalker.

Both of you show your dedication to the Lord and motivate me to do the same.

If I could describe you two in only one word, I would just use my name.

Now I must thank all of my advisers whom have helped me along the way.

Firstly, I’d like to thank the one who recently got married, the one and only Peter Guei.

Your smile, your witty black shirts. You are one of the reasons why I loved 9aday.

Hazel Lebiga, you’re always up to date with the media, you make encyclopedias jealous.

When it comes to zombies, business, and expository teaching, you are always the most zealous.

Next, I’d like to thank you, Kevin Chen, for helping me lead small group.

Without your guidance, I sometimes think we would never get off the subject of poop.

Herald, one of my big heroes, discipleship with you has been sweeter than churros.

If I could paint the lessons that you’ve taught me, it would span more than a few murals.

Onto the junior advisers, we can call them the “Super Awesome Mega Ultra Cool Changs.”

Emily, thanks for all the artsy decorations. Along with Serena, we’re always the paparazzi gang.

Emmanuel, thank you for all of your outgoing craziness. Physical or spiritual, always get gains.

To all of my peers, I would like to say thank you for these past few years.

Fellowship with you all has brought me great joy and to that I say “Cheers!”

Although I’m leaving, I have confidence in my faith of the gospel.

So, my brothers and sisters, don’t wait to love others, because all the time you have is snao.