Class of 2011

It’s the day after Midsummer . There is still a faint smell in the air of burnt wood and powder from last night’s bonfires and firecrackers. I remember seeing the smoke on the horizon from several witch’s departure as I looked over the hills last night.
The blackbird is still singing this morning. I had expected it to have ceased but there it is, sitting on the aerial on the adjacent building. 6am and it has been singing for a few hours. It won’t be long before the singing stops all together . But then the smaller birds will continue- so it’s not that bad. We had 4 hours darkness at the most. The blackbird begins it’s song before sunrise. The morning is cloudy but mild. Apart from the birdsong it is incredibly peaceful. I seem to be the only one up and about yet.

Today is a big day. 2P, now having completed their finals, will be riding around on the back of an open lorry with beech branches and flags as decoration, all with a special cap . 22 students have passed their exams, the majority of them about 20 years old. They will be driven by a sober lorry driver, from house to house spread all over the county. Each place they will be offered something to eat and something to drink. Drinks are usually alcohol and by the evening they will be pretty pissed but happy. They will shout and sing and the lorry’s horn will sound continuously.
There will be other graduates from other schools and classes doing the same thing. In the Capital there is a certain square where the kids dance around the statue.

This is quite a merry time and proud parents watch as their kids enjoy themselves. It’s a step on the way and quite an achievement. Now they will all split up to go different ways. Some go on to Uni., others find a job, some will travel and yet others will take a sabbatical.Most will be moving away from their parents home.

Last time it was ‘99. The weather was fine- sunshine and quite hot. Every time I see a young person with a cap on at this time of year I usually have the urge to throw my arms around them and congratulate them. I remember swatting over the books but I refused to wear a cap- that was too traditional for a young hippie like me.
It will be difficult finding work, it will be difficult getting into Uni but I suppose travelling won’t be that hard. It’s amazing how little you can live on at that age and how you can be content with small means.

It is very likely quite a few will fall in love .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uaj2bHj7UGk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbNEOJMGFAo