First Semester, Empty Nest

Today I am straightening my daughter's room

sorting through pictures, clothes and clutter

squirreled in and under beds and chairs,

I find more clothes.

I make a bed which will stay made, and

when the telephone rings, it will be for me

(although it doesn't ring that often)

No more thundrous, unhummable music

that shakes windows and

announces her friends' arrival

before the cars are even in sight.

Laughter won't bounce off the walls

as she once bounced off the furniture

Until

that first college break

when she hurtles back into my life.

our house will be looking the way

I always hoped it would

And

I'll hate it.