When they quarrel
they find the jugular
in less than an instant.

When anyone else
attacks one of them
they turn together
and draw blood.

They may joke
about their parents
but let either get sick
and see who returns
to become the caretaker
this time around.

When a sister arrives
to stand between
two brothers she
softens their edges

and gentleness becomes
a strength that helps
them stand and speak
straight from the heart.

send comments to info@poetrybay.com

first electronic copyright 2000 poetrybay. 
all rights revert to authors

website comments to dpb@islandguide.com