nobody's home

There is a closet full of clean towels

It's overflowing with fluff But with that abundance

comes no gatherings around the pool

Without the sound of showers running

telling us that our kids are home

Every dish is clean and in its place

The kitchen sparkles and shines

In the quiet of an empty table

there is no storytelling and laughter

Pans aren't overflowing with food offerings awaiting bellies we love to fill

The living room is quiet and calm

Blankets folded and pillows straight

Sitting on the empty couch kids aren't sharing their day The space for making memories and inside jokes

echoes in the silence of their absence

The car radio is turned to my station of choice

There is no trash in the back seats

A solo car ride

without the joy of shared playlists A sprawling family vehicle with room to spare filled with nostalgia for who used to ride along

All of the beds are made and in order

Ready to welcome guests at any time When nobody's home

we wonder where all of our babies went It's the perfectly decorated shell

longing for the messes and chaos of time gone by