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