Looking around the living room
Sitting in my favorite chair, I
was feeling sad and forlorn, no
children anywhere.  Some say
an empty nest is a pleasant thing.
No more cleaning after messes
Breaking up siblings fights,
yelling “do your homework”
and so much, much more.

Like looking at the hand my child
made of clay, and the words that it
said, “I love you Mom, I’m giving you
my hand.”  There were good times
there were bad.  I think more good than bad.

I was thinking of all these memories and began
to sing a song “Memories press between…”
“Grandma, Grandma!”  I heard someone say
Of course, I was babysitting today.

My granddaughter bounced out of the bedroom
fresh awake from her nap, she ran around
the room, than jumped up on my lap.

Just than the doorbell rang, my daughter yelled,
“Mom, I’m home!” slamming the door behind her
I had told her many times, “Autumn, don’t do that!”

She said “Sorry Mom, where’s my little girl?”  The child
ran to her mother, my daughter said, “Thanks Mom,  you’re free again."

I sat back in my chair, after I closed the door.
Yes Mom, you’re free again, an empty nest once more.