Pokemon cards
in swirling patterns
on the living room floor
4 years my senior
he sits working
water types,
always focused.

Years later
we share a bus seat on the way to school
he gets off at the high
I get off at the middle
we don't need to talk
I don't know him any more.

He throws a party
when ma gets home
I cover for him
because he's my brother
and I owe him that much.