don’t call him a baby... don’t make fun of his tears... his soul’s tender — he runs and hides, under a chromatic beanbag with a dark emotional spectrum. when he returns to play Sleeping Queens,* he sniffles, wipes tears on his sleeve (and yours) “You hurt my feelings.” you find yourself not unlike the Road Runner** sailing off a cliff — suspended in animation. the reward of leaning in, hearing what this little soul has to say, realizing your fool mistake, this time taking the time to explain what his limited mind can take, then you hug the stuffings out of the little ruffian*** but only if you can catch him. 10/24/2019 *Card Game **Cartoon ***Here ruffian is used as a term of endearment