By Lisa Batten Kunkleman
I wrote this little ditty, several weeks ago and almost waited too late to post it with Christmas just days away. I’m rushing to get this out, just like the family photo Christmas cards I never got around to sending last year that will go out next week, only one year late. Don’t judge. I even write personal notes in each one. That deserves an award, if you ask me. We’re keeping the post office afloat. Besides, we haven’t changed that much in a year, so who will know?
Hint: Keep “The Night Before Christmas” kind of rhythm going while you read this aloud to yourself or to the pets.
(To all our family: Keep in mind that we thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and we’ll see you back real soon, ya hear? We should charge admission to the cat fights and doggie wide world wrestling matches.)
Empty Nest: Reprieve?
The house is all quiet
it’s like a reprieve,
it’s good when they come
but it’s great when they leave.
Our pets are relaxing
just lying around,
no grand dogs or grand cats
at all to be found.
The fire in the fireplace
crackles and pops,
while Hubby in front
of the hearth always flops.
Our large empty nest
was full for Thanksgiving,
laughing and hugging
and enjoying living.
Sixteen used two legs
and nine walked with four,
which makes twenty five
but it seemed like much more
The children and pets
have all gone away
we’ll build up our stamina
For the next holiday.
*Disclaimer: I hear we aren’t alone in needing a break from the festivities to wind down a bit. Be brave. Admit it’s overwhelming and enjoy your “me” time when you can. Sneak off to buy more coffee or mustard. It’s okay.
December 15, 2017 at 8:09 pm
Love it! Sentiments are shared.
December 15, 2017 at 9:50 pm
I knew we weren’t alone.
December 16, 2017 at 2:53 pm
love it!
December 16, 2017 at 3:21 pm
Thanks Jodi. 🍗🎄🏡
December 17, 2017 at 3:50 am
Great post! Have to share it with my Mom, I.know she will love it!
December 17, 2017 at 3:53 am
Ah. Thanks so much.
December 17, 2017 at 3:56 am
You are welcome!
December 18, 2017 at 10:49 am
Absolutely love it!!! Great post!
December 18, 2017 at 4:26 pm
Thanks so much.
January 14, 2018 at 2:52 pm
You are spot on: it’s nice when they visit and nice when they leave. We love ours to death, but the quiet is what I crave when they are gone. We have been empty nesters for some time now, and my time now is full of music and writing (both my book and blog). The biggest perk when I retired two years ago was no alarm clock at 4 AM. I taught almost 50 yrs. and it was time for a new chapter. Life is good. My book, by the way, is a poetic memoir and full of family stories. I can’t imagine having triplets, but it appears you survived. Kudos to you! Happy 2018! https://drniemczura.wordpress.com
January 14, 2018 at 5:06 pm
Thanks so much and another thank you for teaching fifty years. I think that deserves a Medal of Honor.
January 14, 2018 at 6:21 pm
Why, thank you. Teaching German has been my passion so I truly enjoyed myself all that time. Enjoy your week ahead.
January 22, 2018 at 6:02 am
I love the post and rhyming poetry in general – especially when it mimics my own life!
January 22, 2018 at 2:18 pm
Thanks so much. I had a couple of birdies fly in this weekend and it was delightful watching them get along so well as adults and even go climbing together at an indoor climbing wall. Hearing them discuss going to do so on real rocks is not so delightful. Don’t know where they got that urge to be mountain goats.
January 22, 2018 at 2:20 pm
Thanks for reading and following. I think we are living nearly the same existence. Have a lovely day.
January 22, 2018 at 7:09 pm
Aw thanks. Not many rhyming poetry fans out there these day. My mind thinks like Dr Seuss met Shel Silverstein who was hanging with Erma Bombeck.