empty nest

one of the hardest things on parents is to care for their children, watch them grow then see them fly away. sometimes it feels like a piece of you is torn off your chest.

The birds have fled the nest

It’s empty

In disarray

Little twigs falling

To the ground, joining other twigs

And dying leaves

Silence is deafening

Life is not the same

Is it worth living?

A new nest is built over there

Vibrating

Twittering

Chirping

I want to lie in my old nest

Sleep and never wake up

Last year’s nest deserted

Twigs in disarray,

Springtime’s careful work

Summer throws away.

 

Newness has replaced it

But this stronger home

Does no calling to

The ones who cease to roam.

 

Memory has vanished

With the empty nest.

Vagabonds who seek it

Never find their rest.

Author's Note

Marie and I are turning this into a little game. free verse she turns into a rhymed poem.
let's see what you think of them.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Marie is so good at rhyming...i like your free verse version, too Woody.
and i really like the theme...yes, it is so sad when they leave the nest, and yes, it feels quite empty...however, we must remember that they have built a nest somewhere else...have their own families and they will experience their own empty nest syndrome sooner or later.
we raise them the best we can, and we hope they build strong nests themselves.

[Woody]

thank yoou jacob. my sentiment exactly. thing is two of my three children have already flown away and my wife and I are panicking already. as yyou say, all we can do now is hope they build strong nests.

[M.E.Lyle]

Personally, I prefer the empty nest; it's so much quieter.
Hello there my friend. Haven't seen you for awhile.

[Woody]

Hi Mike! I can't see my answer to your review. either I missed it or the site gobbled it down.
read moreHi Mike! I can't see my answer to your review. either I missed it or the site gobbled it down.
in any case, thanks for reading. yes some would prefer piece and quiet! that's a matter of opinion :) thanks for taking the time, my friend.

[Stan]

Woody, like the empty nest short, the full circle, kind of what its all about uh?
thanks for your comments on my stories... hoping the book will be at the publisher
this fall.... fingers crossed..... keep writing and peace. Stan

[Woody]

thanks, Stan. a full circle, it is. I'll keep mine crossed, too. cheers!

[Frieda P]

My preference is usually free verse, but when it's done as good as Marie's it's hard to say, both have the same bittersweet sentiment, I felt this one, rhymes with my life at the moment, funny stuff being a parent, we teach them to be independent, then squawk when they leave the nest....good job to you both.

[Woody]

haha "squawk when they leave the nest". like that. and so true. thanks Frieda for the read and the compliment.

[Frieda P]

:) Sometimes I just can't help myself...the pleasure was mine Woody.

[Beccy]

Although I mostly write rhyming poetry, I like reading both free and rhyming verse, so i'm not going to choose. Suffice that I found both versions most enjoyable, and I did particularly like Marie's last verse.

Beccy.

[Woody]

thanks a lot Beccy. I myself like Marie's transformation.

[Matching Socks]

Just read your note, I love a good game!
Your poem is lovely, it really drives that feeling home.
Your flow and imagery are very good thorough out.
I know we just met but it's funny, I wrote a poem called empty nest, and I think it posted on the same day, not sure, or maybe it was the day before! :-)
Mine is a bit different, I loved this one for the deeper dive into building the details in.

[Woody]

thanks for stopping by Ance. and for your kind words. I'll check out your poem in a minute. I'll repeat what I always say to reviewers. I only dabble in poetry. nothing serious really. I'm more of a story teller :)

[Matching Socks]

Yes, I read one of your stories and it's definitely a strength for you! :-)

[Matching Socks]

Having said that though. This first impression of your poetry was pretty darned good. :-)

[Woody]

thanks a lot for your encouragement, Ance. I sorely lack confidence in this department.

[Matching Socks]

Bah, don't be silly.
I don't thing there's a thing and bad poetry anyway....
There's only opinion, like a movie or song... It may not be for everyone, we all have our 'markets' for lack of better word...

[Matching Socks]

Oops. Typos! That should say there's no such thing as bad poetry. Not 'and'

[Woody]

got that. and thanks again.

[Matching Socks]

:-)
.....

[Marie]

Oh yes there is such a thing as bad poetry. A women keeps sending me hers. The bad part is, she thinks she can be published, and wants me to help her.

[Matching Socks]

Lol!!!!
This made me laugh. :-)