Personal Bartender

   (for my big brother, Rob)

Gentle voice commands

the order exact

eyes twinkling

lips curled in boyish smile

His strength takes

whatever I dish

as crying I pelt him

with fists too weak

My face rains

as his touch so gentle

pushes back my hair

and wipes the drops away

My voice trips itself

in its rush to explain

but he offers a hand

to assure I'm okay

he'll share a drink

or the experience I need

but he mostly just listens

and in silence, holds me