Dear son

It was late afternoon

When we left you.

It was 15 degrees and raining.

You were wearing the jumper

I bought at a charity shop.

It had spots and a red stripe.

I knew it was yours

The moment you said

It made you happy.

Your father and I knew

This day was coming

Since you were born.

Bags packed,

Plates and cups in boxes,

We drove seven hours.

You slept most of the way.

We moved your things

Into your dorm room.

It had blue walls,

A desk,

And a bed.

You left our home that afternoon.

And I watched you

In the rear view mirror

Of our rented car

Until we turned a corner

And I could not see you anymore.