I used to work full time in a former life...and then I had kids....
I chose to be at home with my children. I won't deny that at times I thought I would kill myself, but I don't regret my decision.  I am sure a lot of people can relate to that. Fast forward 21 years, my younger child just left for college last Fall and it was just me, and a lot of empty space. It has been hard to learn to cook for two, to speak in a quiet voice, to resist the urge to call and text and email. I thought I would feel free and would work more. But free from what? from the love of your kids? from all the happy moments I shared with them? from the sports and the dances?
So I wrote:

Empty Rooms

The silence sticks to the air
I am in front of this white wall
Nothing moves and I don't have to run anymore

The dancing shoes are in the closet
But there is no more music to dance to
The silence sticks to the air

No more forgotten lunches or homework
The soccer shoes lay by the door
Nothing moves and I don't have to run anymore

I am no longer the provider
Of food, hopes and transportation
The silence sticks to the air

Forgotten are the Daisies and the Brownies
The basketball games and PTA meetings too
Nothing moves and I don't have to run anymore

I am free in front of this white wall
Ready to paint what's next
The silence sticks to the air
Nothing moves...and I don't have to run anymore