Dear “Little Bother”
of your brother

who is older, sharper
with words
and who already

sees you for who you are,
Small Avenger of Injustice,

you shame the class bully
whose words sliced into a friend.
The whole class applauded

you, as do I. Small
Slugger, you smack a baseball

like the Babe and run with three quick
steps toward first, then lumber along
like a Conestoga wagon over ruts

while we all yell, Run! Run!
You get there in your own time

as I expect you always will.
I am not worried--already you know
there is no place like home.

© by Paula Schulz.
Used with the author’s permission.