In this challenge we had to write about fond memories of a particular experience with a sibling, recreating the context and world we lived in. I’ve dedicated this to my brother who is two years younger than me.
Fragile and fearful,
they saw you as weak.
But you were the one
who made me feel strong,
since I took the pain
all the emotional strain
with love in your defence,
protector against violence.
Yet most of all I well recall,
the tea leaves and the wood.
Fresh tea leaves from a teapot
well drawn, it never tasted so good.
Try though as I might, I can’t
recreate the taste buds
of a child of five, save the
certainty of satisfaction
of a brewed cup of tea,
plenty of sugar,lots of milk
and enough bread to dunk.
Remember, how we used
to scoop the soggy bread out
of the cup with a teaspoon?
Funny how that lonesome
memory still lingers with me.
Then the sheet of wood,
the one that was symbolic
of making our own little house,
for escape when the
world became a terrible place.
It would be our roof, our shelter
from monsters and pelting rain,
A dividing wall,when we needed
to extend our imaginary playhouse.
You treated me with such admiration.
Though we’re much older now,
I don’t think you’ve changed your view.
Of course, I’m still two years older than you
and I’m just sorry we lost that piece of wood.
We all need an imaginary wall sometimes!
Chevvy's diary 