Sister and Brother

She, packing on weight 

to keep out invaders, 

allows herself to forget 

how tightly she locks the doors 

at night, in daylight. 

He, inhaling wealth, builds stature 

to fend off predators, finding safety

by cubicle-ing himself in small, 

tidy spaces. 

The two no longer speak. 

They hurt longhand. Mirroring 

each other's need to be apart. 

Never enough Plan Bs, bee breath, 

Bhramari breathing their mutual fear,

unexpressed, acted out. Each holding close

their reflexive sacramental vestments.