Have you ever noticed how a toddler will react to a tiny thing like it's the end of the world? Yes. Of course you have, these small tyrants and their reactions reach impressive decibels.
I was listening to a young boy, who is actually a beautiful and very happy child 90% of the time, have a minor meltdown. He sounded truly heartbroken (over what I later discovered was over a shoe issue), so I wrote the following:
19/06/2018
Kalladi, Sri Lanka
For Zia (aged 20 months)
I am not crying.
I am not crying because you packed away my crayons.
You misunderstand me mother.
I am lamenting the loss of beauty in this bleak, uncaring world.
I am not crying because I smashed a glass, or because you reprimanded me.
You misunderstand me mother.
I am realising the fragility of life. Things will smash and I can change nothing.
I am not crying because you put me to bed.
You misunderstand me mother.
I am mourning the death of another day and the transience of time.
I am not crying mother,
You misunderstand me.
I am not crying.
Fin.