The vulnerability of humans

he bursts out of piano class
maybe 6
a big boy's confident eyes
scan the empty room
and melt into tears
Out follows the piano teacher saying
this is Peter and he's upset. will you watch him
his mom will be here shortly
your mom will be here don't worry

I try to talk to him
but his mind is mother-focused
then she arrives he shouts and runs
MOM!! Tears just like
a dam bursting like a boy out of piano class
or a levee breaking and
6 year old boys left wandering
to unfamiliar strangers.