We would run over the leaves and through the wood
Along the river listening to the cicadas buzzing
Branches jump up and grab us by the ankles
They cut like a razor as if the blood was a necessity
Brother cries out
This is the first time we were betrayed by something we loved
We trudge back with the sullen look carried by defeated children
Baby milk tears and red lines down our knees
Sitting on the porch wiping the salty water out of our eyes
Our bravery is all we could offer ourselves

Mother rushes out
A look of silent fury and a moment’s worry
Watches her sons and what they have done
A second of love’s anger only a mother could offer
Chuckles to herself as she kneels down to the children’s world
Her warmth on our bodies
Her touch on our idle tears
We are reminded of what it means to be alive again
A kiss on the forehead to both of us as she wipes away
The clean streaks off the dirt on our cheeks

-All better

The sky splashes with somber reds with the setting sun
Stars shine on with their life’s work
The moon keeps time as they flow into something beautiful
Green dots of fireflies join into the chorus in the backyard
Brother and I gather some jars
We want to record this music
Mother fusses with disapproval
We tell her not to worry
We have each other