today, the sea is his

Brother:

She’s stopped telling me what to do.

I feel her standing behind,

Eyes on me.

I know she’s still there.

I run further into the waves,

I catch a crest and leap over the foam.

I brace against the pull of retreating water.

Here is the freedom I’ve longed for,

The freedom I’ve feared.

There has always been a hand nearby,

To guide, to pull, to catch, to prod.

Making sure my fears could never touch me.

Now, it's only me.

I am alone with my fear.

Nearly.

I look back, and she is there,

Hands on her hips, feet in the surf.

Watching.

I don't mind.

I know if I go too far,

She'll be there.

And that is all the courage I need.

I wave as the water crashes around me,

And she smiles.

<>

Sister:

I watch him learn the dance of the waves.

I know this beach.

I recall the pull of the riptide,

I remember the pummelling breakers.

I’ve tasted the freedom of the sea;

Craved it, chased it,

Once with such intensity I nearly drowned for it.

I was the reckless one.

He has always been cautious,

Now he is alive,

Saltwater seeping into his blood.

Today, the sea is his.

I don’t catch him when he falls,

Or call him back when I see a distant swell.

How else will he learn to stand back up?

He looks back and waves,

I smile. I’m still here.

My careful brother, life begins

In the breath before the scream,

And the laughter of the thrill.

Face the roaring waves,

And find the joy in your fear.