division

[CdnReader]

.

division

we sit in our separate chairs
seemingly miles of empty space between us
but it isn’t really empty
it’s filled with the silence between us
and the clink of his keys as he fidgets
and avoids my gaze
it seems there’ s little left to say
and much of that is misunderstood

one of us has nothing more to teach
the other has nothing more to learn
just like that
it’s done

as we stand in the doorway
i pluck at his sleeve, touch his shoulder, hug him quickly
he pulls away, distracted, uncertain

his journey is just beginning
part of mine is now over

i love you, don’t be a stranger, call me if you need anything
i will, mom

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cdn/11apr06
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[TheFifthElement]

Sad, sad Cdn. A moment none of us hope to experience, but one which seems inevitable for the child to gain independence. A painful poem to read, but aren't those the best type?

[CdnReader]

Very much a painful moment for a parent, Fifth, but it's all part of the human experience, isn't it? Both my sons had difficult "leaving-home" episodes. This poem is about my youngest, who seems to be doing just fine now - a year and a half later. :)

[firefangled]

.

division

we sit in our separate chairs
seemingly miles of empty space between us
but it isn’t really empty
it’s filled with the silence between us
and the clink of his keys as he fidgets
and avoids my gaze
it seems there’ s little left to say
and much of that is misunderstood

one of us has nothing more to teach
the other has nothing more to learn
just like that
it’s done

as we stand in the doorway
i pluck at his sleeve, touch his shoulder, hug him quickly
he pulls away, distracted, uncertain

his journey is just beginning
part of mine is now over

i love you, don’t be a stranger, call me if you need anything
i will, mom

.
cdn/11apr06
.

There is such everyday humanity in all your poems, Cdn, whether that is of a friend, plant, lover, or parent. You shine it up good and make us see it. This made me cry. As Fifth says, less is more. And this is just right. You nailed the situation and feelings.

We are getting ready for that moment day by day. Thanks God it is gradual, the days of nonchalance, fierce independence and even outright defiance. Thing is we are suppose to make sure this happens as parents, but it still hard when it comes. Thanks for sharing.

[Poppy]

I really liked it. We have been there before. All the years of preparation, parents hoping they have taught their children well, and when it comes it seems no one is ready for it.

[PrinceMyshkin]

I for one read this for the most part as if it were about the end of a romantic relationship, but those final two lines really flipped my heart: the mother's formulaic words (but what else could she have said?) and the son's flat assurance....

[dibyendra]

It really made me cry when I came to the end Cdn.:bawling: The last two line is really heartfelt one which gave a different perspective about this poem. Great work Cdn :thumbs_up and thanks for sharing this poem.

[CdnReader]

There is such everyday humanity in all your poems, Cdn, whether that is of a friend, plant, lover, or parent. You shine it up good and make us see it. This made me cry. As Fifth says, less is more. And this is just right. You nailed the situation and feelings.

We are getting ready for that moment day by day. Thanks God it is gradual, the days of nonchalance, fierce independence and even outright defiance. Thing is we are suppose to make sure this happens as parents, but it still hard when it comes. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks so much, Firefangled. This poem always makes me cry too. I had such a troubled relationship with this young man for the last year or so before he moved out on his own. Sometimes I think it's a natural process, that we have to perhaps like each other a little less for awhile, to make it easier for both parties to move on independently. But the separation from one's children is a tough thing, for sure. I showed him though. Most parents reclaim the kids' room and redecorate; I sold the house and moved to England. LOL!


I really liked it. We have been there before. All the years of preparation, parents hoping they have taught their children well, and when it comes it seems no one is ready for it.

You couldn't have said it better, Poppy. But now, from the far end of the experience, I'm pretty proud of the two young men that my sons have grown to become. I suspect you and Granny feel the same. :)


I for one read this for the most part as if it were about the end of a romantic relationship, but those final two lines really flipped my heart: the mother's formulaic words (but what else could she have said?) and the son's flat assurance....

Thank you, Jer. Knowing what you know of this young man's past, this poem really recalls for me the poignancy of that last moment of him living under my roof. As I pull out these older pieces, I'm making small changes here and there. But this one I didn't want to touch. It encapsulates exactly how I felt at that moment in time.


It really made me cry when I came to the end Cdn.:bawling: The last two line is really heartfelt one which gave a different perspective about this poem. Great work Cdn :thumbs_up and thanks for sharing this poem.

Many thanks, Dibyendra, for reading and commenting. I really do appreciate it. :)

[Pendragon]

Just entering that point with my oldest kids. Yeah, it feels happy and sad and sick all at once.

[blazeofglory]

.

division

we sit in our separate chairs
seemingly miles of empty space between us
but it isn’t really empty
it’s filled with the silence between us
and the clink of his keys as he fidgets
and avoids my gaze
it seems there’ s little left to say
and much of that is misunderstood

one of us has nothing more to teach
the other has nothing more to learn
just like that
it’s done

as we stand in the doorway
i pluck at his sleeve, touch his shoulder, hug him quickly
he pulls away, distracted, uncertain

his journey is just beginning
part of mine is now over

i love you, don’t be a stranger, call me if you need anything
i will, mom

.
cdn/11apr06
.

Life is indeed a great journey and we all are travelers, and the way you expressed you met the lover on the threshold where one has just began the journey and the other has already taken a few steps forward. That is what really happens in life, in love. Marvelously absorbing.

[ampoule]

You hit the nail Cdn and beautifully.

[CdnReader]

Thanks very much, Pen, Blaze, and Amp. Much appreciated. :)