Things Mothers Say (After The Kids Move Out)

I wrote a poem

On Mother’s Day this year, a Kate Baer poem was going around called What Mothers Say. It was beautiful, but I couldn’t relate. The poem was written in the voice of a mother with young children still at home.

But that’s not my season anymore, and so I decided there needed to be a version for those of us in the next chapter. After the kids move out. When the house is quiet, but the mothering never really ends.

Naturally, I nominated myself as the author.

I don’t know much about poetry, but if it’s true that there are no rules, then maybe I can be a poet. It felt good to write it. To let a few tender feelings live in a few words.

Here it goes:

Things Mothers Say (After the kids move out)

After Kate Baer

I am lost. I am free. It’s okay if they don’t call.
Can I help you? What do you need? Let me take you shopping at the mall.
You don’t have gas money to visit, but you want to buy a cat?
Let’s buy a duplex. Let’s make the kids live in the other half.
It was like you came back home when I hung the family photos on the wall. 
When was the last time we all ate dinner and prayed while holding hands?
If you ever need a mom, call me. I’m W I D E open.
You can do anything and I will cheer you on. Except OnlyFans. 
There’s a sadness. My kids have their own lives.
What’s your next sport? What’s your next hobby? 
Put your wallet away. 
I’m going to start a band. You’re funny, you're mine.
Yes, we upgraded the guest bed. No we didn't need to but it is soft. It matches the new decor. And you might come for a stay.

Poem by Sonya Szabo