My Cousin, My Friend

My Cousin, My Friend
By Monika L. Brown

I watch you take on
Every obstacle in your path,
Calm, confident, and prepared.
I witness you accomplish
The unthinkable, the impossible;
All fears and worries, gone.

I tell myself to follow;
Inhale deeply.
I’ll be there soon.
Embraced by beautiful distractions,
I can see myself falling.
Next time, I won’t drop so low.

I know I must push myself
To be just like that;
To be as incredible as you.
This certainly will not be simple,
But I stare happily
At the books on my shelf.

In my heart,
I am so grateful.
You set the example
That I often need so much
You’re my cousin, my friend,
And I know you’ll excel in everything you start!