Two days with kids I love and then I left
as scheduled, and I should feel relief.
But my emotion’s something like bereft,
though I can’t call it any kind of grief.
My heart is whole. I don’t detect a cleft
and I want time alone, but sure my chief
condition now’s a little wistfulness
and longing, for a toddler’s trusting kiss.

(Ottava Rima)