empty nest

how
can a house
once so
full of people

become
one so
silent

just dust
and shadows

once
laughter
and songs

and room
for many,
one more
and more

now
cluttered and crowded
with
empty possessions

no room
for people

but yearning

rather people
not things

if grown birds
have flown

why
leave us with
old books,
clothes, toys

then complain
no room
for visits

museum
not to be touched

must build
hotel rooms

in the
empty nest