I Grew Up with A Brother

For my brother

I grew up with a brother
that had Stephen for his name
A year plus some between us,
more apart were we than same.

We had no friends in common
few interests did we share
We mixed as oil to water
and became the strangest pair

As teens we both found trouble
but each in separate ways
Troubles that would haunt us both
upon the life-trails we'd blaze

The distance grew between us
as the days then years went by
And neither seemed to notice
until Daddy's time to die

Yes, we both loved our father
as only a child can do
We shared this point in common
on the day tears formed like dew

We put the past behind us
to be brothers on that day
found we're less different
than before we'd dare to say

It took Dad's loss to shake us
right down to our very core
To see the time we wasted
being petty and keeping score

A year plus some then later
again the family cried
This time we lost my brother
laid to rest by Daddy's side

If life were based on fairness
this ending just could not be
I'd have time with my brother
long before his soul was free

Please learn this from my story
not to be the one so proud
letting time then slip away
as little time we're allowed

Make the most of life's moments
forgiving the things you must
'Tis how I found my brother
a true friend that I could trust

Reviews

[Liza]

thank you for your honesty; sibling rivalry is something I am familiar with; I've explored this dynamic and it comes from competition to win over the love and attention of the parents we share; my sister and I are 7 years apart; we are like night and day - we love each other but the conflict between us simmers as a heavy and uncomfortable silence but because i love her so much; i kept my mouth shut when she tries to change me; then i discovered later upon much reflection that she took on the role of being my second mother; since she is the oldest; her identity was connected to guiding me and being the baby who got away with more because i learned through her mistakes and found loopholes to gain my mothers love by fighting my mom tooth and nail when she compared me to my sister because my sister was easier for her to raise; well expectedly so - my sister had more attention the first 7 years of her life; then she had to share my mother....thankfully now that she is a mother of 3 boys; she sees the dynamic play out in her own family and is more aware...of the sister she can be.

[Nishant Gupta]

nice one do read mine too "QUEST OF LIFE".

[Greg the Bard]

The more the rhyme the more the talent is to see. Yes this is heart wrenching to those of us that have lost the time to convey our true feelings to those we love before our time is gone. As for the writing its flow is far more managing of the pace than the thought so much so that I fell into a remorse for the writer. The flow is wonderful. I do not like using conjunctions in my work but you have made great use of them and they play a great part at keeping the meter. I truly like the way the image is powerful yet subtle. This is more a epitaph than an explanation of course. Well written and well liked. Great job.

[James K. Blaylock]

This one truly pulls at the heart-strings... as it should, really. Because we've only been given the briefest moment of life, so we'd best all live it well.

jkb

[Carole]

Michael, your poem is filled with incredible lessons for us all. I am so glad you took the time to write this as each one of us can take away nuggets of truth that have the ability to impact our lives for a lifetime. What you say is so very true. Every day is precious and we should not take our lives or that of our loved ones for granted. I am so thankful to Valentine for sharing this with me, and thanks again to you for sharing what you learned in this precious write. This one is definitely going into my library. :-) Carole :-)

[Debra Stevens Edwards (..]

This is a sadly emotional piece and hold such a valuable message. Wonderfully said.
Debby

[Valentine]

How sad but so true in many cases..Being from a family of nine and having four brothers and four sisters that were extremely close [3 boys and 1 girl have died] I talk long distance to my others nearly every day in Michigan..They are my best and most loyal friends..I hope if any one reads this and is in the situation you found yourself growing up,,,they take your words to heart..Life is so short..God bless..Valentine

[Deborah Leah Krempa]

A beautiful poem you have written in fond memory of your brother. I am so sorry for your losses and shall keep you in my prayers. The love and emotions for your dad and brother are so heartfelt it brings tears to these eyes. Thank you for sharing. Debileah

[Ray Hamilton]

This was very touching
I'm sorry for your loss
My brother and I were like night and day
Although there were 14 years between us in age
He still would be there if I needed him
He is also gone
I am the baby of the family
Both parents gone, I have one sister left
I enjoyed this sad write
It makes those who still have family left think I hope
Ray

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

This is so heartwarming, touching and tragic. I am glad to hear that you made up before you lost him. I truly am sorry for your loss but glad that you made amends. Blessings to you. This is quite dear. Thank you for sharing your talent once again. The cadence in this work is lovely. Well done. Beautiful expression.
Love and Light,
Siddartha