Sibling

Dean's Company picnic was a family affair,
with three-legged races, beer for the men,
Eskimo Pies for us kids.
We went for a walk behind the hill.

You began to howl.
I said, "Hush! You'll wake the rattlesnakes!"
I could hear them all around.
I was supposed to protect you.

Our parents laughed.
They heard us from the other side.
no rattle snakes, just locusts.
A short walk later, we were safe.

Now you have gone behind the hill,
and I cannot follow.
No parents to rescue us,
we walk our paths in solitude.