Tough Nut to Crack

He calms down, the little boy with so much weight
upon his back, settling into something like compliance
but also isn't quite, as he has timed it all just so, dispensing
anger and rebellion in such measured doses, knowing when
they've had enough and pulling back before they walk
away, defeated. That's not his goal, to win. He merely needs
to know that they will stay no matter what. When once he
catches just a whiff of backbone, of resolve, determination
to fight back with love -- tough or tender, not the point --
the outer shell begins to crack, and who he really is comes out.


(c) Ellen Gillette, 2014