Kurt Philip Behm

The Empty Nest

With children

a house becomes alive

Without them

an empty shell

With children

new moments of joy arrive

Without them

an unringing bell

 

With children

laughter stays in the air

Without them

but memories dwell

With children

the years to age unimpaired

Without them

— all magic is quelled

 

(Dreamsleep: August, 2025)