Just place her down and instantly
her body wound, a rubber band,
until the tension broke and poured
like crashing waves upon the sand.

What stamina she had for one
so young! This tidal flood could last
for hours until she was picked up
and then and only then would pass.

It didn’t matter if you sat
beside her or played face to face,
you may as well have left the room, or
simply vanished without a trace.

No, as soon as nappy-wrapped
behind made contact with the floor,
this lovely child, delightful girl
transformed, convulsing with a roar.

Her eyes would bulge and stomach clench,
and face turn many shades of puce,
her knuckles turn to pearls of white
and then tsunamis would be loosed.

All other souls would scatter fast
to seek her tired and desperate mother,
and if they couldn’t find her fast
dive under tables seeking cover.

A year has passed, you’d never guess
this happy child was such a pain.
Beware the day she has a child
and mighty tantrums rage again!

At toddlers I’ve been befriended by a girl who not so long ago was played by insecurity. To see the change in her is wonderful. I wonder if she’ll ever realise what she put her childminders through.
(14.05.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Zahra Amiri on Unsplash