That'll be Ben

Cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Thu, 09 Feb 2012
  • 1425 reads
11 comments
 

The hall light’s still on...
a noise wakes me.
Is that him, perhaps –
just come home? But no –
only the milkman
on his rounds.

Every nerve in my body
on edge. Where the hell
is he? That party
can’t still be going on –
not at this ungodly hour.
But maybe it can?

I hear lorries thunder past;
must be ‘that time’ again...
four-thirty, or thereabouts.
He wouldn’t be drinking...
would he? Only recently
passed his test...albeit
on that new bike of his –
leathers and all.

Could be lying in a ditch
somewhere. Someone
would phone, though...
let me know, but only
if they’d found him.
I mustn’t think this way;
of course he’s alright.

Always was crap
at convincing myself.
Get a glass of milk;
remember the days
when the scariest
thing he’d ever done
was to let go of the side...
swim into my arms.

Certificate PG
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
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Comments

Submitted by jolono on
Tina, been there. Worrying about kids coming home late. Laying awake all night waiting for the front door to open. Praying it would! Nice piece.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks, jolono. You are so right. It's not a very nice place to be, that's for sure. Tina

 

Submitted by Highhat on
My eldest is called Ben., Tina- I certainly know what you are on about here. Remember it well. Now I have the 20 year old to worry about- him in his car and all- but he doesn't live at home anymore- still I worry wish he could manage with a bicycle like all the other kids..and like I always have- never had a drivers license and have managed quite well without. ;)Pia

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
I've always loved that name, Pia, and if I'd ever been blessed with a son, I would have named him thus. They are a worry with their cars, and such...as I, like you, know only too well. And as for your driver's licence...what you've never had, you never miss, as they say. Many thanks for reading and sharing. Tina;-)

 

Submitted by Mark Heathcote on
Parenthood is a nightmare and that’s for sure :)

Mark Heathcote

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Sure is, Mark;-) Tina

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Hi Tina, I too like the others, could relate to this poem, with my son, though I always think what goes around comes around, because I was exactly the same, when I was young, I never thought for one minute that my parents would be worried about me, while I was having fun, I knew I was alright, and that was all I cared about at the time. But I have had some pretty scarey situations with my son, which I'm glad he's pretty much over now, well touch wood he is I hope. I thought this poem was good, because so many parents can relate to it. Definitely deserved of cherries. Congrats. Jenny.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Sorry Tina, hope you didn't get offended by my last comment, I didn't mean that you were uncaring or wild, I can imagine that it must have come across like that, anyway I'm so sorry, I was talking of myself. Jenny.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Dear Jenny...of course I wasn't offended. Your comments are worth their weight in gold, because you always say what's in your heart, and that's what makes them so special. I am only pleased you could identify so strongly with this poem, and that is what I write for. Only by sharing our experiences do we realise we are not alone with all our many 'trials and tribulations'...such as children, often are, though they are, of course, our life's breath. Many thanks for both of your comments and both, more than appreciated. Tina;-)

 

Submitted by Indrani Ananda on
Indrani Ananda Brilliantly accurate, I've been through this with my first husband when he bought a sportscar and went to folkclubs. Indrani.

Indrani Ananda

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks, Indrani;-) Too true, it's not just the youngsters. Tina.