Bundle Theory Diptych

COHORT 6

A path still muddy from rain the night before

leads two children down to the river.

On their way to catch frogs for dinner,

a girl carries her brother on her back.

Her right foot slips—flash of sky. The boy

slams onto the ground, fracturing his skull.

They return home crying and muddied and bloodied.

You, their mother screams. What kind of sister are you?

*

When I grow up, my brother declares, I want to be a fish.

A school of tadpoles wriggles their tails in approval.

A golden mantella squats on a wet leaf.

My father’s gold tooth glints. He smiles,

watching my brother press his sweaty palms

against the glass. Spotted yellow cichlids frown

and purse their lips. Returning home in time for dinner,

we exit the exhibit, my father carrying his son on his back.

Writing: Kaitlyn Wang

Art: Kayleigh Schweiker

Music: Arina Oberoi