Trying to keep myself OUT of the poem...but the mental is what fascinates me.

I need feedback on this, esp. the last stanza.  Thanks.

Graduation Night
 
First,
caps and gowns sit together
as two big blocks,
almost straight lines.
Rewards announced for hard work.
Exciting.
 
Second,
individuals stand with good friends,
bonded by sports, plays, proms,
sitting side by side in history.
Golden.
 
Third,
it’s an hour to grope but not yet grasp
the future.
Probably a big stretch to imagine
the odds of seeing one another again.
Confounding.

Pat

(I have used that title for this post before . . . saved some typing)

I think your poem wants to add something fresh to "graduation."  Can you strip the poem of all information already contained and framed by its title?

Todd

Harrison High School Graduation
 
First,
caps and gowns sit together
in two massive blocks.
Awards announced.
Impressive.
 
Second,
individuals stand with friends,
bonded by sports, plays, proms,
surviving history.
Golden.
 
Third,
it’s an hour for graduates to grope
though not yet grasping what lies ahead.
While speakers say doors are opening,
past doors close.

Pat

I miss the "grope...grasp" of ver 1.  I think your first two stanzas set up a one-word summary.  I miss that in Stanza 3

Todd

I'll do something about that. 

Sorry I'm late again. 

I agree that I liked the "grope and grasp" so close together.
I feel like stanzas 1 and 2 are just telling me that it's a small town, but I feel like the title does that for you. Maybe that's what Todd was saying too. I may just not be tracking so well right now. 

I think your main point (I hope I'm right) is that the seniors may not realize how much is changing. They will likely not see many/most/all of their classmates again. I feel like that was true for me as I went to a small school. (What did surprise me was how many classmates didn't grow up or just went off the deep end. I have reconnected with a couple, but I'm not as close to high school classmates, but my college friendships have mostly "stuck.")

This is helpful.  I have had a few days to distance myself from it.  Thank you!  
Pat