Buttoned-Down Minds

They would watch, with wild amusement, as chubby little hands worked furiously, struggling with each button. Tiny, unskilled fingers loosening, gnawing at them, until the last one was free. She would wiggle out of her brand new, red velvet coat, scrambling to play with building blocks and toys. A capsule in time, that confirms something about her that cannot be tamed... her pride, stubbornness, and a fierce desire to be INDEPENDENT! We are watching in mild discomfort, as blue veined, arthritic hands work furiously, struggling with each button. Swollen-knuckled fingers loosening, gnawing at them, until the last one is free. Slowly, and methodically, she shrugs off the old familiar, wool-tweed coat, while we patiently wait to enjoy our afternoon tea. A capsule in time, that confirms something about her that cannot be named... Is it pride, or fear, or a fierce desire to be INDEPENDENT? ____________________________________________________________ For the contest sponsored by Black Eyed Susan: " Buttons " --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------