every night this summer

that hasn’t been raining

we go on a family walk

immediately after dinner

 

I hate family walks.

 

my dad didn’t come today

when i asked my sister

she just mouthed to me

something unrecognizable

 

Just me, my sister, and stepmom.

 

I don’t talk during these walks

write poems or focus on the

pitter patter tippy taps

of my walking feet

 

A puppy runs up and jumps on me.

 

“You’re like a tree for the dog”

I laugh at my sisters joke

speak up “or like a giraffe”

I earn a laugh back

She doesn’t know who’s brother says that.