The umbrella needed replacing

The flashlight batteries left dead

Used yet never replenished

Regardless of what was said

Bedrooms resembling crash sites

Spaces besieged by entire wardrobes

Made laughter common some days

When earning the label floordrobes

Just one day could bring about

Much dirty laundry to be done

With thoughts it could wait until later

Put aside for something more fun

Now the umbrella sits in readiness

There’s always a flashlight that works

For a nest so empty at times

These are its little perks

 Flown away are the little birds

Bedrooms no longer in disarray

Fond memories of laughter remain

The floor, clean and on display

No kids’ clothing to wash daily

How can you miss such a grueling chore

Yet smile when the flashlight works

As the umbrella stands by the door