My house is five.
Time for it to go to school.
Dress it up in its best coat of paint
And leave it standing in the playground.
No tears from my house. No tantrums.
No reproachful looks as I walk away.
It wants to see the world.

I trek back home on my own
But when I get there the truth hits me.
No empty house awaits me.
It isn’t there.
Will life ever be the same
Now my house is at school?

I miss my house now it’s at school.
I was used to having it around.
The place seems kind of empty now.
No floors to clean, no sills to dust,
No four walls to stare at.
Saves on electricity though.
I put on a brave face,
Tell myself it’s for the best.

Soon it’s home time.
I’m glad to have my house back.
Did you miss me? it asks.
No, I lie.
Can I stay at home tomorrow?
No, I say. You go to school
Again, like a good house,
And when you’re big you’ll be a mansion.