Commencement

Today’s Writer’s Cramp challenge was to write a story of 1000 words or less using the following three words:  Sentient (conscious, alert); Sapient (wise or learned), and Panoply (ceremonial attire).

773 Words

         Words, formulas, and theorems whirled through every level of Justin’s sentient mind.  If six years of intense training and instruction had taught him anything, it was how unprepared he was to enter the world of his elders.

         As he shuffled through the note cards in his hand his palms grew sweaty while the scene played out in his mind.  He could imagine himself in the raiment of his panoply, marching down the marble hall, pausing beneath the stone archway, then stepping out into the bright sunlight before crossing the courtyard to the awaiting platform where he would address the gathering of colleagues, local and visiting dignitaries, friends, and family members.  The auspicious occasion was sure to draw media coverage and he would take center stage.

         Justin fell back against the divan, closing his eyes in an attempt to block the images of his mentors, monitors, and pedagogues as he recalled the events that brought him to this day.  To be deemed one of the least deserving ones in the collegiate society’s roster would have been an honor incomparable to all other accolades he had thus far achieved; to be named most sapient among his peers was a most unexpected tribute.

         The images before his eyes disappeared, vanquished by a loud knock at his door.

         “Justin!” a familiar voice called.  “You in there, Justin?”

         “I am here,” Justin answered drowsily.  Reordering his cards and attempting to tame his unruly hair, Justin bade his guest to enter.

         With one look, Collin knew Justin was nervous and having second thoughts about his qualifications and aptitude for the task that lay a mere hour ahead.  “You ready to go?”

         Justin’s eyes were cavernous with fear; he cowered in the corner of the room and shook his head.  “How did I get myself into this?” he asked, not expecting a reply.

         “It’ll be over before you know it,” Collin encouraged.  “Will it make you feel any better to go over it again?”

         The cards fell from Justin’s trembling hand as he clutched his stomach, retching violently.  Collin retrieved the fallen pages and reordered them, pitying his friend’s emotional state.

         “We should be going,” he said, glancing out the window to the courtyard below.  Final preparations were being carried out for the evening’s ceremony and the audience would soon be assembled. 

         Justin straightened his tie and slipped his arms into the sleeves of his robe.  Collin offered the cards and Justin took them, slipping them into his pocket for later use.  With a deep breath, Justin took a last look around his room, wishing he could remain there until the event had concluded.

         “I guess you’re right,” he conceded, opening the door.  He squinted as he stepped from the dark interior of his private domicile into the brightly lit passageway and merged with the flow of identically dressed peers heading to the gathering hall.

         Pats on the back and congratulatory greetings fell upon him as the crowd parted to allow him passage.  He gave each a humble nod of acceptance and continued on his way.  The assemblage in the gathering hall grew quiet as he entered; all were awaiting his arrival.  Tutors and instructors formed the crowd into four lines, each ceremonially clad individual taking his preordained place.

         The doors opened onto the courtyard and the lines began to march, filing through the exits and heading down the aisles to take their seats while the musicians played the customary fanfare.  Justin marched with his line as far as the stone archways, then stepped aside to await his personal introduction.

         This will soon be over, he thought, taking in the surreal scene before him.  He touched his pocket, reassured by the presence of his notes.  The music reached a decrescendo and trailed off to silence as the master of ceremonies approached the podium.  The words of the welcoming speech mingled with the words of Justin’s speech as he rehearsed it in his head.

         “… and on that note, I’d like to introduce Justin Lorenzo, this year’s valedictorian speaker and class president.”  Thunderous applause echoed through the courtyard and audience members and classmates scrambled to their feet. 

         With a deep breath, Justin clenched his fists and then released the tension, strode across to the stairs and mounted the platform to increasing cheers. A wave of his hand silenced his enthusiastic audience yet he paused a moment longer to allow all to retake their seats.

         Justin looked out across the sea of black-robed graduates, picking out familiar faces smiling up at him proudly.  This will definitely be a day to remember, he thought, adjusting the microphone.  Let’s hope the memories are good.