You stand outside the door, looking up at me.
Crackly new backpack, shoes saved for today’s first wearing,
Your face a pale, inscrutable mask with large eyes. So serious.
“Do you want me to walk with you up the hill?”
A headshake no. Ready to be Big. Ready to join the world.
Your brother, also ready, but wearing his eagerness on the outside, goes up the hill with you.
Halfway up, his arm curls ‘round your small shoulders
His head tips toward yours, eyes seeking acknowledgment as he earnestly imparts How-To
You look only toward your destination.
Are you really so done with my shoulder, my hand?
Through the slanted sunlight, arriving like time, the bus.
Your brother helps you to the first step.
You don’t look back.