When those ever twinkling eyes
become a brimming bag of salt water,
you feel your heart getting heavier
filled with something
that hasnt yet been christened.
When a pearl falls,
white curtains are drawn
restricting all your sensibilities.
A wave drives you to her
and that is all you know.

You grew up with her
pulling her hair,
spoling her drawings,
misplacing her specs;
annoying her to the extent of crying
not just once.
And now,
watching that stream of sea water
finding its way
through her round cheeks
is unbearable.
Childhood is nowhere
but in the golden frame of memories.
A grown up girl she is called now
courted by many
with roses and songs
and her tears say
even dejected by a few:
things that you refrain from discussing
and even denying
any knowledge of.

You know your stupid jokes
might bring a grin
but the dampness of the face
and the heart
will remain.

Being the elder one, you think
sensibility of a higher degree
comes naturally.
Neither will you ever realize
nor will she declare
that despite all the adversities
the greatest gift
the Almighty showered upon her,
she thinks,
is sending her as the little sister
to a brother like you
who grows restless
when her smile ceases to show up.
She runs and falls
but runs again
because the first aid box
for her scratched knees
will always be there
with you, she knows.