This poem describes the end of the kid stage of parenthood and the status that follows, called being an Empty Nester. Hope you enjoy it!
So this is what it’s like,
To nearly be
An empty nester.
No longer, do
The chicks line up
And follow, single file.
The goslings grow
Their feathers out,
No longer soft as pillows.
The kittens see,
And prance, and hiss,
And pay their Mom no mind.
So this is what it’s like
To nearly be
An empty nester.
No longer do
The shouts ring out,
Like music, in my halls.
No longer do
Forgotten spills,
Or sandwiches, like fossils,
Reveal themselves,
While sponging off
Graffiti from my walls.
So this is what it’s like
To nearly be
An empty nester.
My great pot of
Spaghetti
Lies, uneaten, in the fridge.
My cookies have
No takers
And my crafts evoke
No interest.
Their eyes are glued
To glowing screens.
I cannot scratch that itch.
So this is what it’s like
To nearly be
An empty nester.
No longer called,
To give a ride,
Or fix a broke-down car.
I cannot teach you
Any more.
You know it all, and know it.
My only job
Is to admire
The wonder that you are.
Copyright 2021 Andrea LeDew
For a look at helicopter parenting, read S’mothering.
I have to say that being mother to an adult daughter is very nice! (I just wish she didn’t live on the other side of the country–but she’s happy there, so I can’t complain.)
Yes it’s very nice to get to know your children as adults. Life goes by so fast when they’re young. Its nice to appreciate what they’ve become.
Thanks for coming by Liz. Really enjoyed that hilarious story about the young man you recently published. My poems didnt get accepted where I sent them, but that means I get to publish them here!
Happy 4th! My daughter is somewhere up in your neck of the woods on the Vermont NH border now, cooling off a bit I hope!
You’re welcome, Andrea! I’m so glad you enjoyed “Siren Song.” Publication in literary magazines is, to a large extent, a numbers game. I couldn’t tell you how many times “Siren Song” was rejected if my life depended on it!
Persistence is all. 👍
It certainly is!
and just one note to add – in some ways our armory role of teaching is done – but nt sure I agree with this
“I cannot teach you
Any more.”
because our grown children will just need us to teach in different ways and with a less hands on approach – but not sure it will end for decades – hahah
Yes priorhouse, I think parents can add so much to their adult children’s lives. I was lucky to have both parents close by until well into my 50s. But I think its common to feel wistful as the young spread their wings and fly. Sniff!
wonderful poem, Andrea
could really feel the different emotions in each stanza and also on a very realistic note, the mind that prepares like this for empty nesting most likely will adjust to the actual empty nest with a lot more preparation.
I know everyone experiences the empty nest in different ways – but some do better and perhaps it is because they do prepare or know that it will come whereas others are caught off guard or have other things that surface, which then causes issues.
Thanks priorhouse!
You’re so right about different experiences and the importance of preparation. As in all things in life, it helps to have a strong sense of self, so that you can acknowledge what you are losing, but also celebrate what you are gaining. Having other aspects to your life besides parenting helps in letting go (or at least loosening your grip!)
Thanks for coming by!