Departure Time

When my children visit
the cottage becomes
a very different home.
Footsteps, voices, laughter,
later to bed and later to rise.
The chairs at the big table
are all filled,
five or six on walks
through the woods,
Callie even becomes a
different little dog.
Departure time arrives
and now the quietness
 is very evident.
Memories of this visit
will remain in the walls
and in my heart.
So pleased the progress
of the garden and grooming
 of the woods is noticed.
Safe travel wishes go forth
for this special daughter.
It will take a few days
for a normal routine
to be in place...