A desolate path. A path that glowed with hopes. A path that you chose and we looked at you with pride. A path that is waiting.
A vista that made our summers blissful but you found wider ones, away from us, from the hills that raised you. How easily do we forget the fun of growing up!
You said you would come back. I know you never lie. Each day we sit here and rush back to our cottage to hear some news about you but the only connection we have with you sits mute.
You said you would keep in touch. I know you never forget your promises. Your dad disagrees. He says, “I don’t care.” But I can see his moist eyes; a lump in his throat is also visible.
I don’t believe what he says. I tell him I care; the umbilical cord is throbbing within me. I know the call would reach you.
The path gapes at me. The flowers don’t bloom any more. Birds look at my face and wonder whether they should sing a happy song. Only wind witches around me.
The candle is burning, its flame may be threatened by the wind but it refuses to die down. I have many more to brighten my evenings. The flickering flame exudes a thousand messages. I can discern them.
I know it is the way of the world. I know empty nesters wait, wait for a moment of joy. I know that joy is within you, gathering momentum. I know you would bring it home with all the wisdom of the world.
I gave you that choice. I gave you wings and I am proud of them.
© Balroop Singh
Thanks to Sue Vincent for an inspiring Thursday #writephoto prompt Vista
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Emotional Shadows 
The heartache and pride of watching them fly… love knows them both.
We try to sheath the heartache with pride! Love gets firmer 😊
🙂
Mother’s love and hope never fade. Well done, Balroop.
Thanks Miriam 😊
You’re welcome, Balroop.
Bittersweet memories of fledglings taking off for parts unknown… Well done, Balroop.
Thank you Bette, memories are always sweet. ❤️
You hit all the right notes with this one, Balroop. It speaks to the heart on multiple levels.
I am glad it is reaching the hearts. Thanks Mae.
Beautiful, Balroop!
Thanks Jill 😊
This is so beautiful!
Thanks Smita.
Beautiful touching lines yet again, Balroop! ❤❤
Thanks Nanchi🦋🌸🦋💕
You caught the emotions we feel as our child go out into the world, Balroop, perfectly. It is tough letting go, but the pride in their accomplishments mixes in.
You are right Denise, detachment is no less than a monster that robs knowingly! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Beautiful.
Thanks dearie 💚
Your words are talking to every mom’s heart Balroop.
Giving them wings to fly and watching as they fly away
Do we have a choice Marie? Life is like that! 😊
Wow, Balroop. I love this. Just beautiful. I love the voice, the missing, the joy, and the knowing that it is all right.
Thanks for feeling all the emotions Diana, we know them so well yet self-pity creeps in… moments that are hard to brush aside.
The word ‘vistas’ evokes such expansive beauty, far-reaching nature filled with intrigue. Love this post.
Thanks Jacqui.
Oh, Balroop, this one got me crying (small simple tears of recognition). We did our job. We gave them wings. But oh my how we wish they’d fly back every once in a while. Your poetry is sheer beauty.
Thanks for understanding the emotion Pam…Ah… wings and the freedom while we sit shackled to the past!
Well put. 💖
The joy, the excitement, and the tears that follow; you expressed this moment perfectly, Balroop. I’m still getting used to my daughter and son-in-law living in TN and it’s been almost two years! How long will it take, I wonder. 😉 My son (25) has been home post college, working full-time and saving up to move out. Now with the pandemic, he may be here longer and we’re okay with that. But living on their own is exciting and we will be happy for him when that adventure and new chapter in his life begins. Lovely writing.
So many mixed emotions… we all know them so well yet detachment is a hard reality that refuses to sink in! Thank you for sharing your thoughts Lauren. Have a wonderful weekend.
A powerful story, Balroop. I had a visceral reaction to the words, “The umbilical cord is throbbing within me.” I believe we will forever be bound to our children even though we give them wings. And, yes, proud of them. Beautiful words!❤️
So true Erica, unseen shackles that only we wear! Yet feel the pride! 😊
A beautiful read. Empty nest, once an alien concept is a new reality even in countries like India.
True arv! The price we’ve paid for modernization!
True.
Your words are beautiful and heartfelt, Balroop❣️I guess a mother is never really ready for her child to leave the nest.🥰
Yes Vashti, that’s a natural instinct. Thanks for standing by to share your thoughts.
It’s always a pleasure, my friend. ❤
You’ve described the stage of the aging parent so well, how we long for them but they must go free. I know it, too. Love your interpretation from the photo, Balroop.
I agree with you Lisa… sadly the heart still sings songs of attachments. Somehow the path in the image took me into alleys that all parents yearn for… just a moment of togetherness. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Have a lovely Sunday, Balroop.
You too Sandra 😊
You had me in tears. Very heartfelt words!
Aww… thanks for sharing your thoughts Kim.
A couple of years ago, my daughter and grandson moved across the country so she could pursue her masters in biology. I feel the hope, pride, and desolation you portray so wonderfully here, Balroop. Powerfully written ❤
Ironies that life throws at us… bound yet apart! Thanks Jacquie.
Every parent has to experience this aching feeling at some point of life.
Loved the tone of bonding echoing in your lines… 💚💚