The Nest is Emptying

Comes a time when children leave;
they take their youth with them.
No more the projects scattered on the floor,
nor presentations with endless revisions.

Never again the urging to breakfast,
nor her trying on five outfits
for just another day at school,
and first bell has rung before you leave.

The end of picking up the first four
where she discarded them on the floor;
and unable to make her bed
because her cat is in the warmth she shared.

Slow down child, stay awhile,
you are the last to linger here;
when you have left we will not see the mess,
nor mind the delays or sleepy denials,
all we 'll know is magic has gone away.