I wasn’t like you at that age.

You are the younger sibling, forced

into growing up more quickly. 

I don’t know your brother 

but I have seen him around.

He seems quiet but the people

he surrounds himself with

well, I understand why you don’t

want my friend to call him.

When I was nine, I did not use the language

you do now. I did not get the same jokes 

some sixteen-year-old made. I am sorry that you do.