The house is quiet
I’ve felt versions
Of this quiet before-
A missing laughter
From the next room
Absent sounds of one
Coming and going
Or the rattling of a
Bucket of Legos-
Yes, it is quiet
But it is not empty
The space holds
Memories from
All that occurred
Along this path
Of parenthood
Love and laughter
Heartache and tears
So much hope and joy
Perhaps more than
These walls are
Able to bear
But that’s ok
My heart is more than willing
To share in the holding
Take a breath
It isn’t complicated
At least, it shouldn’t be
Most of the time
It happens with
Little thought
Until a thought
Becomes thoughts
And thoughts turn
Into questions
And suddenly
I’m seeking answers
For how to react
To the latest change
Then change
Turns into changes
And soon, there are
More than I can count-
Well, maybe
I’m exaggerating
Just a smidge
Concerning the number
Of changes, just not
The significance-
A house with no kids
For the first time
In twenty-nine years
How does one prepare?
Yes, I know-
Thank you
It isn’t complicated
Take a breath
Once again, I am grateful for the poetry circle. Listening, writing, sharing, connecting. ❤️
I see her
Resting quietly
In the middle
Of her nest
Contemplating
As pieces
Of her heart
Sit on the edge
Flirting with that space
Between the known
And the unknown
Ready to fly
But waiting
For one more note
Of encouragement-
Even the slightest nudge
Thought part of the job
Feels like a shove-
At least, to her, it does…
Take a breath, Mama Bird-
They will be ok
And so will you
When the Spring tree
Notices its green leaves
Shimmering as it peers
Into the clear blue lake
When the setting sun
Shares its warm glow
Lighting the leafless tree
With its dusky orange
When I see past
The marks of time
And see a bit of you
In my changing reflection
When I see myself
In your sweet smile
And wonder…
Do you see it, too?
One last sit
On the couch
Walk around the
Neighborhood
Swing on the swing
Slide down the slide-
Cleaning out
Packing up
Off on a new
Adventure-
Life’s changes
Don’t always
Provide opportunity
To savor the lasts
But when it does
May I suggest
Sitting on that
Old couch
Just a little bit longer-
Our daughter moved this weekend. Not far away, thankfully. 😉 As we talked about the specifics of loading and unloading, she reminded me of an earlier move.
The kids were young. We were preparing for a big move, and had a moving sale. Our things displayed in the front yard. I will never forget one request from the kids. Can we please have one last sit on the couch?
After all these years, I think I’m beginning to understand the wisdom in their request. ❤️
Yesterday, I celebrated my 56th birthday! And my oldest son celebrated his 29th. I’ve been a mom for 29 years. This year, I watched as my son became a parent. And Gigi is now on the list of names to which I answer. What a gift!
Stuffy nose
Tiny cough
Little rattles
Lacing
Your breath
Fussy cry
Flushed cheeks
Finally asleep
Mom and Dad
Cautiously
Creep across
The floor
Standing
Perfectly still
Holding
Their breath
Until seeing
The rise
And fall
Of yours-
Feel better
Little one
I will never forget watching my babies sleep, especially if they were sick. Seeing my son and daughter-in-law care for Emi brings those memories rushing back. This week, she is not feeling well. And, of course, they are taking great care of her. It is hard work deciphering signals from a sick baby.
It seems like yesterday…
I was putting my
Hand in your face
When you tried to kiss me
Yet here we are
Thirty years of marriage later
It seems like yesterday…
We were bringing
Our first baby home
Not a clue what to do
Yet now he is married
With a baby of his own
It seems like yesterday…
I was chauffeuring
Three kids to school
Listening to them laugh
And now, sometimes
I get to be their passenger
I did not think it was possible
For time to pass any faster
But when I watch
My granddaughter sleep
See her sweet smile
I don’t want to blink
It was an eventful week. My yearly physical suggested the need for cholesterol medicine. Then I was rear-ended Thursday on my way home from work.
Such is life, out of our control. Well, I can do some work on the cholesterol front. But that’s not the point. The point is hope remains.
A weekend visit meant all the chicks in the nest, along with the grandbaby chick. Girls went to a concert, boys to a movie. And Gigi hung out with Emi.
Listening as you
Find your voice
Watching as you
Learn to reach
Rocking as you
Fall asleep
Troubles
Of the day
Melt away
Simply hearing
You arrived safely
And every ounce
Of worry disappeared
Simply seeing
Your sweet face
And my heart
Filled to overflowing-
I am convinced
Our capacity
To love grows
Exponentially
With the birth
Of a child
And when that baby
Is a grandchild-
Well, I will keep
Searching for words
And let you know-
It’s going to be an adventure! 💗
Piano Girl 