The feast was over. I struggled to my feet, Feeling strangely satisfied With how little I had said at the table. I had watched my children Represent me, not with my knowledge But with their own, Gleaned from their experiences, not mine. It was comforting to realise How well they shall cope without me. I sunk into the armchair, The leather one by the fire, I dreamed of knights in armour, Fighting in a foreign wood. I awoke to silence in my house; No warriors here - Only a mute stillness Which demanded to be broken. Slowly, I made my way Into every room in my heart And discovered each of them in turn, Concerned in some important trivia. They smiled as they were disturbed And yet still no sound. As I asked the question, A soft call from a distant point Grew louder, gently, gently. I felt a hand on my shoulder; I opened my eyes. You. It was you.