…the pier

The pier reminds me of a time

when my little brother and I

played chicken with the waves

and lost, but not before

winning a sack full of change –

filling our pockets

and talking grand plans –

until soaked shoes

and a frustrated mother

sent us home early. But what

I’ll never forget is my brother’s grin

across the back seat

of the car. It’s the same grin

he wears now whenever he does

something he shouldn’t, but

still wins, which is most

of the time.