Metaphors Be with You

From The Memory of Old Jack, by Wendell Berry:

‘…When they stop the children are instantly scrambling over the tailgate.

Hannah gets out. “Listen! I want you both to mind now, and be good.”

“We will,” Margaret says.

“Mattie, did you hear me?”

“Yes.”

Her warnings to Mattie always leave her with the impression that she has just spoken to a squirrel. She will take care of him when he needs it, which he will.’