For now....
he stands there stomping in the hallway
his small voice smeared with dark language
muffled under a small sibilant sizzle in place of
his usual hello – from the kitchen she listens
to this single demonstration of his five year old
power, there stomping in the hallway, ordering
the numbers of his hours away from her, away -
where he had found existence –
beyond the kitchen where she listens
beyond the kitchen where she listens
as he slams the door on the outside
for now
It is always with a feeling of regret that your babies grow up less dependent upon you and develop their own character then dare to face the world on their own. Parents show great strength in letting this happen.
ReplyDeleteYes :) I enjoyed your reading and take on this poem - thank you so very much :)
Deletetantrums of kids, whew.!
ReplyDeleteNasty piece of work! (Him, not your poem!)
ReplyDeleteHa, there is so typical of a five-year-old. Thank goodness this period generally passes quickly...but then again I guess there are people who maintain this kind of behavior into adulthood as well!
ReplyDeleteThe tantrums of young children can be unpredictable and impressive, even from afar. And indeed when they eventually calm down we are wise to remember that it is only 'for now'.
ReplyDeleteA vivid picture you paint! You had me entering into both the child and the parent.
ReplyDeleteI would imagine the tantrums occasionally make you want to chuckle too..all about learning and growing I suppose!
ReplyDeleteChildren, doing the best we can sometimes isn't quite enough.
ReplyDeleteThere is sorrow in realizing that your child doesn't need you as much as you think. But, also a bit of secret pride in the same, followed closely by that "for now."
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
I remember that realization when my youngest was little - that each day sh was moving away from me and onto her own path.......she was especially independent. My mom did a double take once when she, age three, walked past her singing "Leave me along, this is my life!" hee hee. She's still like that and she's now 38!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment - How absolutely adorable and mirroring the sentiment I was reflecting :)
Deletehaha this sounds like a toddler I read about always on my facebook friend's wall. So demanding yet so cute in his own 5 year old world. Great poem!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult for all . . . this journey out of Eden.
ReplyDeleteWhen they discover they have power to move us, one way or another,;)
ReplyDeletethey are becoming individuals...it's up to us to guide that anger and growth..if I knew then what I know now!
It is wise to ignore that sort of behavior. Kids love to get a rise out of us and when they don't get it, it's like sticking a sharp pin in their balloon. I enjoyed this!
ReplyDeleteYes, for now he is not happy. How often such tantrums exist in 5 yr olds and they show it without qualms! Great capture Dr Pearl!
ReplyDeleteHank