Little Boy
I saw this angelic little boy, eyes so blue, big head of blond curls which he'll probable bemoan in years to come, gorgeous smile. I realise he's on his own, can't be more than three. I get down on my hunkers and spread my arms he doesn't hesitate not even for a second. Oh, the innocence of him as he jumps into my arms and clasps me in a wondrous hug. I try to get him to talk but he just keeps squeezing my nose
and breaking into fits of laughter, he's adorable.
I place him down, and take his hand. I noticed things I hadn't seen his little hands grubby, his skin peeling and sore, beautiful curls all knotted and bless him, not a nice smell.
I decide to walk him around, see can i find who he belongs to. This woman comes running, screaming, she grabs him, and slaps him. I'm stunned, he doesn't even cry. He turns and gives me a resigned shrug, what I thought was innocence was pure joy, sheer delight in someone willing to give him a bit of attention.
This was a little boy who didn't cry, mature beyond his years, he's long since learnt no point in tears, they won’t feed him or source comfort. The woman rounds on me, anger spurting from her very core, screams at the top of her lungs "Have you no children of your own, leave mine alone?”
She looks high, out of it, I would have avoided her like the plague if it wasn’t for the little lad. I wish I could take the little mite but what gives me the right. I watch resignedly my eyes welling up as he says "sorry, mommy" takes her hand and leads her home. I just might take that little boy next time he decides to roam
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This was a really good write Susan, I loved the angle and tense in which you wrote this piece. It was hard hitting but with a real softness about it. It particularly caught my attention because I had a similar experience in a local supermarket this week when I was with my 3 year old little girl.
A woman was flatly ignoring, then yelling at her child for being naughty and spoilt as he leant at a right angle of the front of a trolley to try and reach her, crying mmmmm and sobbing hysterically!! He couldn't say Mummy because he must have been all of 5 months. I wanted to take him there and then, it made me so angry and so sad at the same time, all he wanted was a cuddle. I then saw her outside blowing smoke in his face whilst she was on her phone as he continued to lean at a right angle looking lost! Ashamedly I didn't say anything, it has stayed with me all week!
A very touching write, well written Susan! A vote and nom from me:)
Hi Rachel we've all seen this in some form or other and a lot of us i think are ashamed that we look, see it and are afraid to say anything its a sad state of affairs. this is fiction drawn on various experiences though. I'm sure I felt like this mom more than once and was lucky enough to walk away for a little while because I had people to help. I was never high better clarify that lol but I think all of us have off days some parents don't deserve the blessing they've been given they are in the minority I hope so glad you liked this thanks hun x
Trust me there was a look and an attitude that said this woman was having a pretty average day, but I know what you mean. That's why I guess people are afraid to step in. My husband once said to me, if someone can treat their kid like that in front of strangers, how do you think they carry on in the comfort of their own four walls!! That gave me food for thought lol!
A great piece Susan, and you're welcome :)
your husbands made me think to thats a scary thought thanks again hun x