Empty and Still

Kids home for a visit
pull out of the driveway,
heading for new horizons.

At once a house that fit perfectly 
for many months 
now feels too large by far.

Rooms that held laughter
just hours before
now sit empty and still.

For a week or so the waiting ensues,
hearts and rooms both
waiting to be full once again.

And then we two 
who inhabit this space
will again fill its depth and volume perfectly.

Like trying on shoes for the right fit,
we'll walk this space several times
until the fit is again just right for us.

The waiting will be pushed 
to a corner of our hearts,
and life will again fill this space.

The heartbeat of a home
will beat out a rhythm of love
and we'll realize it's never missed a beat.

​