Getting Inside

Laughter.
Loud, bouncing, big, and
  spacious.
A tiny slip, a hiccup of time
did you notice?

Talking on, asking questions,
filling space with you.
Stop answering.
She listens. Stares.

Let’s move, go for a walk,
take the dog.

Touch her arm,
slide, hold that hand,
just keep walking.
No sound, but footsteps,
leaves shuffling, dog panting.

There’s a bench, let’s sit.
The sisters are starting to wake,
as day gives way to night.
Cool silence a safe blanket,
hiding her skin.

She offers up a simple smile.
“She’s about six you know.
She’s been waiting a long time.”