I grew up on the river,
playing sharks and mermaids.

Swimming beautiful in the water,
dancing my arms,
making raindrops with my fingertips.

My brother would suddenly become a shark,
based on instinct.

He could sniff out the perfect moment to attack,
grabbing my foot
and pulling me back with him.

I could have never known
that same game would follow me
into adulthood.

Everything I’d need
was learned in my childhood.