We knew each other so little,
We could love each other so well.
A young'un only fair-haired seven
When I left you at twelve,
To fend for yourself
In that divided home of despair.
The vulture and the jackal,
tore at love from either side.
How you tried to appease them
Both; how alone you cried.
Vengeance's vulnerable victim,
Sad boy-child was the prize.
We sprouted with memories only
of earlier times to share,
Pacific sunsets, Grand Canyon,
Rocky Mountains, pine forest air.
Gypsies in that old green ford,
Kids wandering throughout the west.
Struting little buckaroo
Mama's pride and joy.
Raw hide chaps, cowboy boots,
A tiny stetson hat, toy six guns
Holstered around toy hips and lasso
rope, I taught you to twirl.
Suddenly we learned nothing lasts,
Promised arn't really kept,
Betrayal and bitterness adult domain
Said we couldn't understand.
For whom was it harder,
You who didn't or me who did?
We grew up, we grew down,
We saw each other occasionally
When I'd blow into town,
Where you'd made a home and family
While I was outward bound.
Your doorstep became a place of rest.
Two grey oldies now
With kids great and grand.
I wandered east, far away;
You stuck around.
Stayed to nail a place down,
While as was my wont, a stray, I ran.
g
Author notes
I hope you find this Mike, I'll always love you, little brother.
A contest entry
- Tell Them Before It's Too Late. by Poetryintheblood.
650 points, ended July 14, 11 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
I love constructive critism, please indulge.
Comments
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very touching...
a poetic description of a harsh reality
It can take a lifetime to make sense of some things..
I think the question is one many of us would ask, but the answer doesn't matter. "For which was it harder,
You who didn't or I who did?"
beautifully handled over all.
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The question in this case is an invatation to
comparison and shared reflection. I wonder what events seemed through other, younger eyes. We, to date, have never broched the subject of our seperation. From such a distance now it may be safe. Does the question sound rehtorical? Should I remove do you think? -
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The question should remain as is. It's an important element in this write. As one who went through separations with siblings older and younger, I am very familiar with it. The question does get asked.
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Thank you for your beautiful entry, good luck in my contest, Josie
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