My Little Girl No More

An Empty Nest Poem by a sad mama

My Little Girl No More

A poem by Sarah Heard

Boxes are packed—the day has arrived.

How did we get here?

Where has time gone? Is it really already time?

She loaded the truck, she said her goodbyes.

I tried to be brave, tried to dry my eyes.

She won’t be too far away. I’ll see her again.

I knew it was coming.

I knew it would be here someday.

Why must someday be now?

Her room is empty, but her scent still lingers

Perfume and incense,

A blanket she forgot, a coffee cup, her toys.

Where did my little girl go? Why now, Time?

Why did she need to grow up?

Forgive my aching heart.

She’s a little girl no more.

She’s a strong, confident woman.

And she is now on her own.

I raised her for this—I know.