Before--
You didn't understand
why we stand for our games,
and horse laugh a bad call by a ref.
You didn't understand
why the seniors whooped
and the fish throw their hands up and scream.
You didn't understand
why there are no cheerleaders--
but yell leaders in white pullovers.
You didn't understand
why the Corps of Cadets
willingly succumbs to wearing uniforms for four years.
Now, in the wake of what has happened...
You don't understand
why we gathered the logs
and raised it before the fall.
You don't understand
why we leave flowers and poems
for twelve we may not have known personally.
You don't understand
why seniors set their rings down
for those who now will never have them.
You don't understand
why, in the wake of al that has happened,
we wish to continue the tradition.
You are right.
You are not of the family that bleeds maroon.
You are not an Aggie.
You do not understand.