Graduation Sneeze

With graduation exercises coming up, I want to relay this story I read about but do it up in rhyme.

The Sneeze

They walked in the room in tandem
92 students in all
Their rich maroon gowns all flowing
All standing so proud and so tall
They were there for their graduation
Smiles and tears to be shed
But nary a prayer would be uttered
A court ruling had ruled that thought dead
The principle speakers were careful
To stay within ruling guidelines
The challenge and inspiring speeches
Were spoken with those thoughts in mind
No one mentioned Devine inspiration
Or called for a blessing for all
When a student walked up on the dais
And all noise stopped in the hall
He stood still and silent a moment
And then 92 students all sneezed
He said “God Bless You” to those in attendance
And walked off as calm as you please
The audience exploded in clapping
This class had found a good way
To invoke our Lord’s special blessing
In spite of what court rulings say

Mdailey
03/06/09

They say this is a true story and it happened at the University of Maryland. I cannot confirm that as fact. It is also said that the story was based on a graduation ceremony in Peoria, Illinois when a student-led prayer was going to be allowed at the graduation but a lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the senior valedictorian. On virtually the eve of graduation, they won a court injunction that banned any prayer at the event. It was the first time in the school's 80 year history that a prayer would not be offered and the majority of the students did not agree with the ruling. Whether true or not, the message is a great one