Our Empty Nest

Our Empty Nest

​​Today, our youngest daughter Emily spread her wings and left our home.  She begins her journey to Chicago and an exciting new career.  I have spent the day reflecting on each of our girls and it prompted me to write the following poem.

I would like to give credit to a Donna O'Briant, whose poem "The Empty Nest" became the foundation for my personal adaptation of her original words.

Our Empty Nest

Atop a high branch, in a proud old tree,

Lay a nest of babies, no one could see.

Beside the nest stood Mother, with her loving heart,

And Father looking on, proudly guarding the start.

The babies grew quickly, lives filled with delight,

While a great world laid, just beyond their sight.

They attempted to try, their wings unfold,

And enter ​life's journey, ever so bold.

Their parents reluctant, and all so knowing,

How quickly their babies, had ​finished growing.

But knew their little ones, were called to a freedom,

With love and support, let their pretty​ girls​ leave them.

The first little Haley, so eager her wings,
Dreams of a new world, readily shed her strings,

She bravely jumped, to the great unknown,

Took flight to the sky, proudly all on her own.

The next little Kelsey, so ready and willing,​

To enter the world, which looked so appealing

She eagerly leapt, to the side of the nest,

Flew to the next branch, and then passed her test.

The last, little Emily, the youngest of three,​

Looked round at her parents, then forward to see,

A new world awaited, oh what would it teach.​

By extending her wings, twas all within reach,

The warm wind lifted, her wings at last,

She flew through the air, to a world so vast,

Leaving behind, the home she had known,

She took off to the world, to go it alone.

The parents looked on, as all of the three,

Earned respect, happiness and a loving family.

They were proud of their girls, and the  choices they made,

Their love for their babies, will never fade.

​
Their empty nest, will always be there,

Welcome to homecoming visits, to a love filled lair,

From the empty nest,​ shines a guiding light,​

To a home of family, and cozy good night. ​

Mom and Dad, now become grandparents,

They are eager to welcome, a flock of ​descendants,

For this is just part of a great migration,

And return trips will rouse, rich celebration.