my small child was locked under rock for years
she came out shy reluctant distrustful
you are special, the first adult in whom
she recognized another small child
locked in and called you
out to play
and we played hard
now she stomps her foot at me
"He does not play fair! He won't come to my house!
He makes all the rules! He doesn't listen!"
yes, bear, I know
time to go home, small child
you have had your first playmate
since you were locked away
but he is still locked in a dungeon
of monsters and zombies
you unlocked him for a little while
just a tiny bit
but he has decided not to play
he is locked down
come, small child
she is in my arms, head on my shoulder
sucking her thumb, crying
until she is too tired
and falls asleep
she will always love you, you know
anything, to have someone to play with
she let you make all the rules
for a long time
but now she wants
someone who will play fair
and share the rules
and love her back