The Empty Space

Childhood learning, knowing, knowledge gaining Parents voices and actions all passed on The learning process, each day memorised The family group gathers at the end of the day The kitchen table, set for five Three sons growing, watching, learning Mother and Father doing their best Passing on all told to them in their past Doing their best, sometimes not enough Hugs and kisses shared with love Sons grow as the years pass School memories will sit in their past Girlfriends introduced to the fold Some become permanent, others not so Talk of engagements discussed openly Mother and Father sit there, listening intently The eldest Son, heart worn on his sleeve Talks of leaving the Family fold Goodbyes given, tears are shed One less at the table, an empty chair This evening the talk is quiet Mother and Father give each other the look All goes quiet as tears flow The empty place, causing memories of old The process repeats as the years roll on by Tonight, we look at Mother and Father on their own The meal prepared, sits there waiting That look is once again given Hands grasp hands, squeezing tightly They have done their duty, passed on knowledge Hopefully, visits will soften into good memories Parents suddenly thrust into a World not known Hold onto each other, the story goes on.