the empty nest

her first night
in the empty nest makes her
go to her son's room
to sit upon
his bed.
the books are there,
all lined
still on the shelf,
one fish two fish, blue
fish, green.
the stories
that she read.
the toys in the closet,
the stuffed
bears, George
in his red vest,
the posters of teams
he adores.
shoes upon shoes for
each sport.
clothes folded, by her,
on the dresser,
on the end of the bed
that fit no more.
the empty nest is not
easy, she thinks,
as she lies down,
as she used to do
beside his sleepy head.