I spoke for my brother when he was too afraid to answer — now, he speaks in melodies, and I have learned to listen | Jessie Cole
My brother is a man who leaves space for silence. If you want to hear him speak you must learn to be quiet
When my brother was small, he barely spoke, and certainly never around strangers. He could speak, there was no developmental delay, he just mostly chose not to. We were close in age, under two years apart, and - out in the world - I spoke for him. This is, perhaps, a common dynamic: chatty big sister, quiet little brother.
I was sometimes reprimanded by well-meaning strangers. Stop talking over your brother,' they'd chide. I asked him a question.' And I would quieten down, shamed. My brother would say nothing, but entreat me with frightened eyes to step in.
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Jessie Cole is the author of four books, including the memoirs Staying and Desire, A Reckoning. Jacob Cole is a guitarist. His latest album Slow Gold is out now.
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