Another sad poem about the empty nest and regrets at some of my failures as a parent. 
Actually I was a pretty good father except for my sadness of the prior years that 
rubbed off on my son for a few years. I consider it an accomplishment that I was 
a much better father than my father. In the past few years, many people have raised 
their estimation of me because our kids have turned out so happy and accomplished.   


Now They're Gone

My son and daughter at last have fled
And each room bears an empty bed
But I have left so much unsaid

The piano now rests out of tune
With neither kid to play it soon
The only one to play is me

Its odd that I should feel forlorn
I didn't miss them before they were born
But now I do its plain to see

If I review the job I've done
I should have been lighter and had more fun
But its not easy to be free

I felt trapped at times like my dad
But I did much good he wished he had
And that makes me feel both proud and glad
I was a good a dad as I could be

Now its up to each grown kid
To do better than their dad did
Perhaps the apples can roll past the tree

0015 EDT 04 August 2001