First Semester, Empty Nest
Today I am straightening my daughter’s room
sorting through pictures, clothes and clutter
squirreled in and under beds and chairs,
I find more clothes.
I make a bed which will stay made, and
when the telephone rings, it will be for me
(although it doesn’t ring that often)
No more thundrous, unhummable music
that shakes windows and
announces her friends’ arrival
before the cars are even in sight.
Laughter won’t bounce off the walls
as she once bounced off the furniture
Until
that first college break
when she hurtles back into my life.
our house will be looking the way
I always hoped it would
And
I’ll hate it.
