Leaving Without Saying Goodbye

I'm awakened this morning
by a soft kiss on the forehead;
A gentle nudge from my mom saying,
"School day, time to get out of bed."

Her touch and her smile as she leaves the room
leaves me all that I need
to face school and the testing
that I know is coming soon.

Dad's in the kitchen, coffee cup in hand;
gives me a wink and a knowing smile;
without a word, boosting my morale.
Hope I'm just like him when I'm a man.

With goodbye hugs and kisses all around,
Dad goes to his work, Mom goes to hers;
I grab my I-Pod and DSI; make a run for the bus;
ears stuffed with earphones, I'm wired for sound!

The I-Pod and DSI are welcomed on the bus...
the driver doesn't like noisy kids
and the games keep us quiet.
Now the driver no longer has to yell at us.

The day is long; testing lasts all day.
Then there's football, scouts, 4-H and chores to do.
So much has happened since that kiss early today;
Some good, some bad; so much to say!

Mom and Dad must have had a long day too...
they look really stressed and the smile's left their faces.
"Dad, do you know Billy that plays on our team?"
"Yes, son, not now. I have too much to do."

"How was your day, Mom"? "Busy", she replies
as she darts to another chore in another room.
I pick up my I-Pod, but I'm bored with that,
so I grab my cell phone and text with the guys.

My friends are all texting or playing video games.
Homework still lingers in the back of our minds.
Guess their parents are "busy" too;
Guess we're all the same.

Dinner is served in front of the TV;
no time for talking during the show.
Got to eat fast and get ready for bed.
When can anyone listen to what Billy did to me?

I rush through my shower and don't even dry.
Dad's on the computer and mom's on her cell phone.
Guess I'll just deal with Billy on my own
'cause Mom and Dad just left, without saying goodbye.

When they go to work, the game, or the store
I always get an "I love you" and a kiss goodbye
When I go to school or to visit a friend,
I get a kiss goodbye as I go out the door.

When they pick up the laptop, remote or cell phone,
there's no goodbye kiss or even, "I'll be back soon."
That's when they leave without saying "Goodbye"'
that's when I feel there's no one at home.

All this new tech stuff is fun, you see;
I like having all the video games and new cell phone,
but what I like most of all are the times when
Mom and Dad have time just for ME!