They cannot guess, because I love them so,
their company can tire and depress
my spirit. I’m aware of that, although
they cannot guess.

Sometimes the time with them is full of stress.
I think they’ll learn that when their children grow –
they’ll love and wish them well, but they’ll confess

that days apart can be the way to go.
Like me they’ll value then their own address.
It’s something only older parents know.
They cannot guess.

(Roundel)