Trust Me?

Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop: Prompt 2

Sure, we have all done some pretty terrible things when we were young. But for this, I am most ashamed...


A game of trust we did ensue.
My little sister begged me to.
I taught her how this game was played
Crossed my arms and fell away.
I was caught in her small embrace
A proud smile spread across her face.

Next she stood, her back to me
Crossing arms nervously.
She leaned back an inch or two
Before she took a step -- oh poo!
Attempt number two went this way as well.
As did three, four, five, and twelve.

Why wouldn't she trust ME, her big sister?
I was always the one who was there for her!
She was the one who was never afraid.
But in falling backwards, a wuss she was made.
We stood there for fifteen minutes or so
While she kept on trying, but refused to let go.

By this time my patience was worn paper thin,
Thinking this game she just couldn't win.
"That's it!" I exclaimed. "You had your chance."
"Just one more time!" she cried with a dance.
I rolled my eyes and said, "This is it!"
"I'll do it, I promise!" She just wouldn't quit...

She crossed her arms and got herself set
And what came next I still try to forget.
My teenager 'tude now set in high gear,
Thinking again she'd submit to her fear.
I took a step back as she started to fall
Thinking I'd teach her once and for all.

It struck me too late that this was for real
As her body tipped back from her little heel.
I lunged forward fast but not quickly enough.
And there she was trusting me -- not just a bluff!
I know she forgives me, but still to this day
"I've got your back!" : four words I can't say.