One college student home, the other not.
A teen plus fridge plus car keys equals what?
He sleeps ’til two then eats, then since it’s hot,
He’s schmoozing, cruising, sitting on his butt…
However I have told him it’s okay,
He’s weathered countless pressures many months.
I know he needs the sleep he stores away;
I try to wake him; all I get are grunts.
But grades are in, he did his part; I’m thrilled.
His academic scholarships? Intact.
He showed himself responsible and skilled,
At getting through Year 1 of 5, in fact.
I thought he’d party harder once returned.
But all that eating and those zzzs? He’s earned.
* * * *
They say adults regress returning home,
But my two men are not yet at that stage.
However, college kids who used to roam,
On summer break may not quite act their age.
I told myself when Kid appeared in Nest
I would not nag, remind, or track him down.
I thought respecting independence best –
As long as he was not a clueless clown.
The gangs of teens that gather from afar?
They’re dropping by the house in twos and threes.
The ins and outs with my (the only) car?
He smiles, he asks; at least the Kid says please.
Week 1 went well enough; I was impressed,
Giving him more space, I am less stressed.
* * * *
I feel a need to mention nonetheless –
Some acts (of déjà vu?) appear non-stop,
All signs that he hits home and does regress,
Those little things? Hell yes! A bumper crop!
I’m back to days of Kid and unlocked doors,
Forgetting things at home (those calls from school?),
The countless keys he lost and undone chores,
The ones that bring out friction (not so cool).
His room’s a mess, he lost his key Day One,
(Another, three days later; yes, he’s back!)
His summer job is soon, til then it’s “fun” –
With friends (and nights he’s out); I cut him slack.
Does every college kid become sixteen?
Heard from time to time, but rarely seen?
* * * *
I won’t complain – besides lost keys and trash,
Scattered papers, bottles, dishes too,
Those dirty socks just dropped, requests for cash,
Once he is off to work, I will feel blue.
The nest will empty of his much loved face,
(The man’s deep voice, a kid, yet more mature) –
My rights to nights, respected ’round the place
And yet, those added stresses to endure.
He takes my wheels (Hello to more gray hair?) –
I watch the clock until I know he’s back.
The light bill, A. C., food expense in air?
(My Holy Busted Budget? Can’t keep track.)
We love our kids. We worry. That’s the game.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Forgive my dreadful habit of bad verse,
A sure-fire sign I’m weary. Could be worse!
© D. A. Wolf
You did a great job with your verse! Yes, adjustments are the season! We’ve slid easily into the empty nest (this time!) and do enjoy when they’re here. Hope your summer is fabulous!
You, too!
I love these glimpses of your boys taking over your house. As it should be. 🙂
If only there were fewer dirty socks… Then I might say their presence really rocks!
Wishing your blog had a “Like” button!
I do – a button such as that display –
Beneath my post end name, and share, I say…
Do you not see the little like and thumb?
Must we break out the weekend Coke and rum?
And if you’re searching for a big Page Like,
Maybe up the side bar it should hike?
It’s there, above the Recent Writing List.
Eegads! Too hard to find, and easily missed?
If you prefer then pop on over here:
To “Like” My Daily Plate, and keep it near!
LOL! I remember when The Floridian came home from college and had a “small gathering of friends.” I think there was about 200 in our backyard. But it’s always nice when they come home…regressed or not. Enjoy!
200! Lisa, you’re a saint.
Both verses are great! First, the homage to your son coming home for the summer. Second, the one for your ‘Like’ button.
I loved when mine would return home. I could almost welcome the things that would normally ‘rock the boat’. I can really appreciate your adaptability and flexibility. As our children become adults, our relationships with them change. Yes, we are always their parent, but communication starts to become more adult-to-adult. I have to say I have really enjoyed this new phase with them (although I am past the college phase).
That adult-to-adult communication, Robin. Must be something!
Fantastic! Well done and bravo. Love ’em to death…on the other hand want to kill them sometimes. Mine are through with school and well intrenched in their lives. Nonetheless when they stop by they love to LAZE, eat my food, lay on my couch (preferably with their heads in my lap hoping for a head rub). I realize the thing I miss the most about my aging mom is that she no longer has the ability to be selfless and meet my needs and desires. I miss being mothered. So while I am able, I am gonna mother mine every time they’ll let me.
Oh Kristine… I just ragged on mine, via text… this time he misplaced my car keys!!!
They do indeed like to laze as you say… And an interesting observation in your aging mother. Then again, if your mother was loving and affectionate when you were younger, perhaps you have lovely memories to call upon.
We all need touch and gentleness – “mothering” if you will. (On the other hand, I’m over the issues with my kid and keys!)
I love both verses (of your boys and of the like button). You have exceptional writing range Wolf! So wonderful.
This is so very clever!
And gives me a glimpse of how I used to be (ouch) and what I have in store with my littles when they’re (more) grown!
One more time: This is so very clever! 🙂
So glad you had fun with this, Galit. I hope you drop by again soon!
Roses are red, violets are blue,
I just hope my kid gets into college.