Not Home Tonight Poem by Margaret Alice Second

Tiaan not home tonight, Nici nowhere in sight,
Martin surviving his life, I am watching X factor
alone, Tiaan introduced me to the programme
last week; without his presence, I am by myself

I miss my son’s sardonic humour, his smile, his
long-suffering patience when his dad comes down
on him and his friends; his Stoic acceptance when
his acerbic, hostile Scorpion dad administers a

Sting to his knight-in-shining-armour image; Tiaan
filled with zeal to help those suffering, while his dad
wants him to set rules and self-interest above all else
- Tiaan so enthusiastic about life, concerned to

- earn the marks he deserves, to build a six-pack,
to take care of us, becoming a dedicated cook; oh
how I miss him – though I am so proud of his new
self-confidence visiting his friends…