My Brother, My Superman

Five years old
scary first day of school
saved by my Superman
a veteran eighth grader
held my trembling hand
without fear of teasing
from friends or foes
sneaking me "Super Skittles"
candy with super powers
for new friends
beaming proudly
when I told him he could go.

Memories of youth ~
Evenings of touch football
Barbie fighting Superman
volumes of Madonna drowning out Elvis
peanut butter and bologna sandwiches
were a delicacy back then.

Suddenly I am thirty-five
still an intimidated little girl
no longer five and afraid
but Superman remains my hero
though he cradles the phone
instead of my trembling hand
I anxiously await
my law school graduation
and the pack of "Super Skittles"
I know he will bring.