There is nothing that can prepare you for the roller coaster of emotions you board when you become a parent. And once on, there is no getting off. As your children grow, the worries and the joys may change in nature, but there is no denying or avoiding them.

It is 16 months now since we first dropped our son off at his university accommodation. Each holiday he returns for a period, but the time always goes way to fast, and before we know it it is time for him to go back for the next term. 

This poem was written while sat in the passenger seat on the dreary drive home, after dropping him off.

I feel such pride and sadness
in a moment
I do not wish to end
When
at last
I release you from my embrace
I smile,
Utter two inadequate words of emotion
And walk away

After a few steps I turn and wave
And in that instant I have the urge
to run back
and embrace you again
but I don’t

Instead I reach out and open
the car door with a sigh
then turn
and wave once more
before taking my seat for a tiresome journey
to a home
that will no longer
hold you