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A Brother like No Other

To my Dad

When we were younger,
I looked up to you, my brother.
Friends, buddies, brothers like no other.
Even mom thought we were a little high strung.
 
When we were in our teens,
We wrestled and fought.
Luckily, we never got caught.
Once you hit me in the neck, man i thought that was mean.
 
When we were older,
You joined the Marines.
Only a damn good soldier would wear green.
I remember you were seventeen, stronger, bolder.
 
When we were fathers,
You had three I had one.
You raised your daughter and sons.
I didn’t even bother.
 
When we were forty,
I moved around and had many wives.
You made a home, taught your kids to drive.
I remember your cars being a little sporty.
 
When we were fifty,
I lived in Australia, became a carpenter.
You moved up north, got some renters.
I thought that was real nifty.
 
When we were sixty,
I moved back to the falls.
Sick with cancer was all i could recall.
I needed my son; our relationship was drifty.
 
When i was dying,
I stared at the hospital walls.
Hoping my only son would call.
Every day we reminisced and laughed, or at least we were trying.
 
When i went to heaven
I followed the light.
Well, it felt just right.
There i saw Ma’ and Pa’ again.
 
You carried my casket on that sad, sad day.
People told stories about my life.
As you held and comforted my wife.
You laughed, cried, and bowed your head to pray.
 
So carry on Jerry!
The Lord has much work for you to do.
I’ll see you again someday, walking you through.
Don’t worry it’s not scary.

(2007)

I wrote this poem for my dad after his older brother died.

#Brother #Teen

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