Dear Son

By Julie Doherty

There are no skateboards on the steps

No socks upon the floor

There’s no mess in the bathroom

No slamming of the door.

I never had to raise my voice

I never have to yell

But living here without you

Has been a living hell.

I worry that you’re hungry

I worry that you’re sad

I didn’t think that once you’d left

That I’d miss you so bad.

You spent eighteen years with us

And now you think you’re grown.

You have your own apartment

A place that you call home.

I feel a little lonely now

I can’t help but feel bummed

I know that it’s a classic case

Of ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’.

But now I’ve turned your bedroom

Into my special den

I s’pose I can get used to this

And miss you now and then.

So call me if you’re hungry

Let me help you when you’re sad

I’ll always be your Mother

The best friend you’ve ever had.