My Empty Nest

Empty Nest

The last little bird

Has flown from our nest,

And this mama bird

Can’t see how this is best.

My heart and my brain

Feel different it seems.

Our flock must move on

While pursuing their dreams.

Yet, my heart holds them

--An endless embrace,

Where nothing will change

Throughout all time and space.

My brain—it knows well

How each bird must fly,

No fetters this time

Soaring up through the sky.

And so, here I watch

In pain and great joy

As they gain new heights

My hopes slow to employ.

Time heals all our wounds

--The great poets said,

And so I look up

And not downward instead.

Then suddenly a thought

Brings life to my wings,

My heart, softly stirred—

So gratefully it sings.

The person I was

Before babes were born,

Had purpose, and life—

I should not be forlorn.

I’ll try out my wings

--Unused for a spell,

For I too can fly,

I remember it well.

Exploring, all out

--Away from the nest,

Each spreading our wings

To learn what is the best.

Yet sometimes—

Our mem’ries will draw

Dear hearts to the place

Where we first were loved

Found happiness and grace.

We’ll all come back then

Sweet mem’ries to make,

‘Mid laughter and joy

Our bonds never to break.

Take flight—Come home—Love you!

Mom

(Written 1-25 and 2-2-16 as I thought of my newly empty nest and trying to sort out my feelings)