For my brother Bob, during a time when he was struggling with alcoholism
When we were young -
and I was very young -
you were, for me, all skill and sunlight,
a hero to be worshipped, and copied, and admired.
You taught me many things:
the elegant leg-glances
that brought me many runs;
the strict, correct defences
that wore the bowlers down;
and sound and skilful glovework,
and how to throw and slide.
And patiently and doggedly,
without your natural flair,
I learned the basic skills.
But more than skill with bat and ball,
you taught me things that linger -
a patience and a tolerance
where skill is less than mine;
the quickness to encourage
the early, awkward steps
as others learn new ways;
and how to handle victory,
and courage in defeat.
Now age and outgrown roles
do not divide us:
we meet as brothers
and I thank you for the confidence
with which I walk today,
built on early competence
I learned from you at play.
© Neil Quintrell 1981
