Empty Nest Poem by Aarthi Bavusani

Where have both my babies gone?
Those young men I do not know
For all the Love I showered on them
What have I got to show?
These strapping youths were chubby babes
Who drew life from my breast
Lullabies I'd sing to them
When, in my arms they'd rest.
Broken teeth and blackened eyes
Cut fingers and skinned knees
I'd kiss away their hurts and pains
When they fought or fell more from trees
Time soon weaned them away from me
And gave them identities of their own,
Now the cloying love of an ageing mother
Callous youth disowns!
They don't need me, I need them still
But my need I will not show,
For my fledglings have spread their wings
Are poised to take flight and go!