Empty Nest


Reduced to a couple once again, 
Remembering this is how our life once began, 
Blessed by God with three children, 
Now all grown up and settled in their own families, 
Grateful for their lives, at the same time sad, 
Looking at our empty house, 
Where once reigned their bubbly children noises, 
Each room a rueful reminder
Of their exuberant laughter and a million memories;
Now, we look at each other, 
Our conversations interspersed with, 
"I wonder what he's doing now!"
Or "How is she managing all her chores?"
Worrying and wondering, 
Whiling away our time with Chinese Checkers, 
Recalling the days when we used to play together, 
Silent spaces speak volumes, 
While we wait for photos and phone calls, 
Or vacation visits that are few and far between. 



3rd May 2023


For Cooper Etheridge's "Empty Nest" contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Buhagiar Avatar
May 3, 2023 at 9:51 PM
It will always be somewhat painful when our children leave to carry on with their private lives.
Rodrigues Avatar
May 3, 2023 at 6:36 PM
Happens! I enjoy time with my youngest grandson mostly…the other 1 adult and the others fast approaching… So I lean into my senior years…and that is okay too
Peck Avatar
May 3, 2023 at 4:48 PM
Dear Joanna, I've had an empty nest for a long time, but I miss them every single day. Sometimes, we're so busy raising them, we don't stop to listen to their magical sounds that we listen for now. Best of luck in contest!
Goldsmith Avatar
May 3, 2023 at 1:56 PM
What a wonderful write/story. Kids like birds leave one day. We both have an empty nest. They fly away to their own life. We did it to our parents. I also wrote on this one. Good Luck... Have a great day.............
Cunningham Avatar
May 3, 2023 at 12:47 AM
You discribed the empty nest well Joanna, our house felt empty when all three daughters flew the nest but I'm lucky they dont live far away. Good luck in the contest. Hope your week is going well. Tom
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace