Caren Krutsinger | + Follow Poet |
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Ask No Questions Listen

they bring me the child
when he’s fighting mad
not one instant sooner

I give him a choice
to speak or be silent
he glares at me

almost always choosing silence
knowing I will respect that
finally talking nonstop

and maybe laughing
I ask no questions
I listen

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Kenneth Cheney Date: 6/2/2021 9:45:00 AM The silent glare of a child. I've witnessed a few thousand over the years. Usually I have to try to refrain from laughing. Then the listening begins. Great insight Caren. Login to Reply Caren Krutsinger Date: 6/3/2021 2:06:00 AM Thank you Kenneth. The clue is patience. I don't have any, so I have to pretend.

L Milton Hankins Date: 6/2/2021 9:43:00 AM Good counseling technique, Caren. And why do they always wait until the child is in serious trouble before bringing it to you? Login to Reply Caren Krutsinger Date: 6/3/2021 2:07:00 AM They always want to "fix it first". Sometimes they will get 7 or 8 people involved before finally bringing them to me. But in their defense I teach 22 classes a week character ed skills, so I am not always available.

Kim Rodrigues Date: 6/2/2021 4:24:00 AM Great! “Not one instant sooner,” and then your patience. Login to Reply Caren Krutsinger Date: 6/2/2021 8:05:00 AM Thanks Kim.