Empty Nest Changed

my life is less simple and more filled with writer fodder.

although sometimes difficult to begin 

a writer’s compulsion is a fire within

and though I’ve little time to spend

once it flows, it’s hard to end

 

my station in life has evolved.

for years my days revolved

on personal dotes and cares

my wife, myself and other snares.

 

though complex it seemed,

I have recently deemed

the structure was quite simple,

and my resources were ample.

 

when my daughter spoke of divorce,

we ignored till we were hoarse.

then came the day that I had dread

when her divorce decree was read.

 

plans were made, 

and routines were laid

on the table for dissection,

and I could offer no rejection.

 

my daughter knows I love her

and grand-babies my heart does stir,

so we opened our home and our arms

and at first could see only charms.

 

now my inner fire is overcome

because my life is not humdrum

it’s filled with writer fodder

the palette couldn’t be broader

 

sounds and smells I’ve never known

can almost leave my mind blown.

all the following to me is new,

but that’s not true for all my crew.

 

confused dogs scamper and bark,

and in doorways tend to park,

and mark corners as their own,

and wake me early so I groan.

 

my pool table with boxes is stacked.

there’s no place to be unpacked.

a strange, scared cat lives in that room.

when I go there I start to fume.

 

my former office is a bedroom

my business files are in the mudroom

piles of towels in the hall

after showers are taken by all

 

four times as much toilet paper

Saturday morning’s a cartoon caper

Hanna Montana can’t be missed

four children that must be kissed

 

farting noises are now way funny

and repeated to often, even by my honey

little girl voices down the hall in the dark

a late load of laundry makes the dogs bark

 

my Bathroom door needs a lock

my sidewalk is covered with chalk

I read a computer generated report card

I complain about bicycles left out in the yard

 

I wouldn’t change a thing today

I will hate it if they go away

I find they spark the fire within

all I need is to begin

Reviews

[Constance]

This is clever, and I can see a portrait of your current life. I have a four year old, and a cat. I have college girls living in my upstairs apartment. I work with kids who want to come home with me. Tweens and early teens. You know how those are. I'm getting ready to move in with a farmer who has several cats and a dog, and who is just as messy as my daughter is, no doubt. :) Life is beautiful. I've never felt so needed, alive, or loved.
I've yet to find a work of yours I can't relate to. You're good.

[Bubo]

my former office is a bedroom

my business files are in the mudroom

piles of towels in the hall

after showers are taken by all



four times as much toilet paper

Saturday morning's a cartoon caper

Hanna Montana can't be missed

four children that must be kissed


I can imagine adjusting to all these people taking over your house very very hard, your routine, your way of life suddenly gone.........and instead replaced with an onslaught of noises, confusion, and mess!!
But you sum up beautifully.........you wouldnt change it.......
Your daughter is a very lucky girl...........I hope she has read these pieces.........stunning and so true
to many in the same situation.

[TL Boehm]

I love the way YOU come through in your poetry. The ryhme style is uniquely you - wonderful but it allows the you to show through giving it a very "Real" approachable quality. Well done. (extra points for using Hannah montana in your work too. that one made me smile. )