pomp and circumstance [pomp-and-sur-kuhm-stans]
noun
1. splendid celebration with ceremony and fuss.
2. the title of several marches for celebrations, especially graduations.
EX. After the pomp and circumstance of it all is washed away, and the Marauders looked ahead, the Black Lake loomed before them. Just on the other side, they could see a group of young people standing on the other shore, and James thought he saw a mirror of himself. They stepped forward with the hope of reaching that other shore.
Harry looked over the Black Lake. A tentacle of the Giant Squid lazily rose and fell back into the lake. On the other side, just for a moment, he thought he could see four youths. He was just about to call out when Ron and Hermione and the others called for him to come back to the celebration. He looked back over his shoulder, one last time, but the figures were gone.
There are no maps that show how things will turn out. Sometimes you've just got to hope for the best and keep moving toward that shore.
P.S. This is dedicated to my Dad, Imple Sr., who got his Bachelor's in Liberal Studies this morning. He is the first person in his family to get a degree. I am very proud.
