Twins

Black hair like a pirate
sunshine smile
always on the edge of panic
“No milk! Where is it?
They’ve forgotten me
No one will ever come!”

In the next crib
his almost bald brother sleeps
hands peacefully curled on his chest
“Food will come—not to worry
let’s take a nap
everything will turn out ok”

Can’t you see the teenagers
“Cool it, bro—
the exam’s a week away
you’ll do fine
and anyway
it’s a beautiful day!”


Lari Smith