East

White Bear

Warm place.

Skin itches, all the time.

Plunging into cool water, relief.

Purple eyes. A child.

Up above on the rocks.

Smiling down unafraid.

I remember.

Long ago.

A ball.

A red ball.

Then nothing.

Lost.

The girl above.

Falling.

Purple eyes shut. Her face.

Floating, bruised.

Lift her up, above water.

A boy. Pale eyes, frightened.

Thin arms. Raises her to him.

Takes her away.

Alone.