Empty Nest

Aren't you happier now that they've all left. No, I didn't know how quiet would sound. This emptiness, feeling lost and bereft. I want loud music and voices around. No more days when I said go out to play I want baseball games and a band concert, plays and dances, arguments to allay. I didn't know how much silence would hurt. Childhood ended—I don't remember when, Suddenly big boys, coming and going. My heartache, I'm sure, began about then not now needed, cut apron strings showing. But parents survive, I'm just not sure how to make it through the next long, silent night I wish I could relive each moment now, I'd promise not to say “please be quiet.” May 7, 2023