Caren Krutsinger Poet Narrative

Can I Have That

Can I have that?
No.
Why?
Because it’s mine. 
Can I have this?
No.
Why?
Because it is mine. I paid for it.
Can I have this?

I recognize this weird pattern. I have seen it before.
Usually in children who feel like they do not have anything.
This child is eleven. 
Old enough to know this behavior is rude.
“It is rude to ask someone to give you their things,” I tell her.
“Can I have this?” she says.
I stare at her. She turns, sees my face and laughs.
I have no glare face. Stare face is all I have.

She obviously has missed some valuable character lessons.
I watch her try to slip my ten dollar spinning owl into her pocket.
She turns, sees me looking and grins.
“I was just kidding,” she said.
She puts it back, giving it an extra pat.
The owl, which is solar powered and spins from the sun
Is gone the next day. Shocker.

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Quoth Theraven September 19, 2019 at 9:24 AM Caren, I like the spinning owl story. Sounds rather intriguing to a hoarder's mind. Can I have the next one? -Richard Caren Krutsinger September 20, 2019 at 6:54 AM Sure, if I ever FIND one again. I have never seen one after I found this one and there was a whole display rack at the time - eight years ago.

Richard Lamoureux September 18, 2019 at 9:02 AM I think the child has the asking part right. We need to ask God for His Love. Once we are filled with that Love we become far more generous. I find this piece delightful and thought provoking. Caren Krutsinger September 20, 2019 at 6:55 AM Thank you Richard. It happened to me this week. I like my stories to be fresh, and it takes away a bunch of my frustration.