B. Andrew Kelly Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Inspired by the song Bye Storm by Injury Reserve, I wrote about the interactions I had with my brother and the journey it has been to navigate our relationship. No matter what storm passes, there is a moment where it passes, and I look forward to enjoying that time with him in any way I can. Written in October of 2023.

Hi Storm

In mania, the body unbinds itself.
The skeleton’s dense marrow becomes hollow,
an avian adjustment. It is accelerated evolution.
Fluttering and floating in a slew of thoughts
like nervous wind chime chatter.

My brother blew in through the rattling gate
accompanied by October’s cruelest gale.
Eyes unwillingly wide, levered by a crowbar
his hazel doorways ripped from their hinges.

He ran fervently through the streets of West Chester
with lungs coated with cannabis and amphetamines
until there was blood beneath his toenails, dripping out
just like Jesus’ wine weeping out from his searing limbs.

As he entered into the home of our distant childhood,
his back burned from the warm wrath of penitent leather
the self-flagellation, the begging for the flames of Purgatory
To appease the eyes of a looming Lord
his fate-sealing gaze hidden in twilight’s comforting veil

He says he holds a guilt beyond human comprehension,
that he is an evil person. I tell him we are just flawed people.
After a decade of intentful detachment, my brother cracks open
his ribcage as it blooms like a flower from his sternum.
He says there is a sickness in his soul, and that I will
never truly know him.

My mother and father have had heads made of granite
since he has come home. There are heavy eyes shadowed with
bags made of storm clouds. They have prayed with their
clergy. They have contacted multiple attorneys.

My sibling is a storm that has wrought ruin, but
he can heal. His violent storm might sow a beautiful season
The warmth of his first real smile will bring upon renaissance,
and as the tears and snot seep into the soil of my shoulder
our cheeks may grow a vibrant emerald moss.

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Mrs. Yolanda Nicholsen April 1, 2024 at 12:46 AM Powerful write very well written. B. Andrew Kelly April 11, 2024 at 11:11 AM thank you!

Edward Wraith March 29, 2024 at 9:02 PM What a well crafted and beautifully penned piece. This poem hit home for me and I must say, the fourth stanza was masterfully done. Loved it. I wish you and your brother the best, Even the fiercest tempest will break, and give way to the warm of a new sun. All the best, Edward B. Andrew Kelly April 11, 2024 at 11:13 AM thank you very much Edward. i appreciate the kind words and im glad you felt touched by it.

Douglas Brown March 29, 2024 at 11:31 AM Beautiful and wrenching as well. B. Andrew Kelly April 11, 2024 at 11:12 AM thank you for your kind words Douglas

Dr. Padmashree R P March 29, 2024 at 8:04 AM Loved this 'The warmth of his first real smile will bring upon renaissance". Wonderful poem B. Andrew Kelly April 11, 2024 at 11:11 AM im glad you enjoyed it!

Richard Evans March 29, 2024 at 6:03 AM Great poem. B. Andrew Kelly April 11, 2024 at 11:11 AM appreciate it ricky!

Mrs. Yolanda Nicholsen March 27, 2024 at 7:20 PM Very powerful write I enjoyed reading your work here many blessings. B. Andrew Kelly April 11, 2024 at 11:11 AM thank you!!

Thresha Reese January 29, 2024 at 6:26 AM < His violent storm might sow a beautiful season > I hope this for you and for your brother. Lovely and dark, great use of allegory :-) TY for sharing (-: B. Andrew Kelly January 29, 2024 at 4:20 PM thank you for the kind words and taking the time to read