James

This is it the real me, the me you haven’t met
I bet you don’t believe it, that’s if you do bet
I am tall, but not beautiful, and not very slim, I am afraid
But back in my younger days I was considered a saucy maid.

My heart is full of love but very well disguised 
Some think I am hard as nails and that’s because I’m wise
If you hold your heart out, for everyone to see
They will take advantage, especially of me.

So I let them think otherwise, but I’m always here to help
Just keep those puppy eyes off me, or my heart will melt
I grew up in poverty, but there was love in the home
It just got put aside sometimes, when we were left alone.

In strange homes we’d find ourselves, not really sure why
But we had each other, we could hold each other and cry
Then there were the bad days when all our nightmares did come true
But we still had each other and so we all came through.

Time to grow up, and take what life did throw at us
Use our bond of love forever, let’s forget about life’s fuss
We none of us grew up, without our scars from living
But when your heart is soft, you can do lots of forgiving.

I dedicate these words to my eldest brother James
Like a father and a mother to us in everything, but name
His demons didn’t leave him and not knowing hearts would break
If only he knew the gap he left when his own life he did take.

If only he were with us to see how his children have grown
If only he could feel the pride in them a pride he should have known
To James although I never heard you, ever called by that name
We loved you dearly brother and we feel no shame.

A long time you’ve been gone you took so much with you
But our love still holds, it will be forever true
Through no fault of your own and you bear no sin
Just remember we still love you, my eldest brother Jim. 
19/03/ 2014 © GG

To Jim 1951 - 1990
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Swartz Avatar
November 20, 2017 at 6:51 PM
Very touching tribute to your brother. There is so much pride in your words when you talk about him. He must have been a wonderful big brother. Thank you for sharing this great poem.
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
February 9, 2018 at 7:45 AM
Thank you, James he certainly was xx
Tate Avatar
November 12, 2016 at 6:54 PM
Mandy, scanning your poems today I found James .[my name too], I had to read it. Such a nice tribute to your brother. It shows you have a big heart of love. James
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 22, 2016 at 9:27 AM
Thanks James is is so good of you to comment xx
J.T. Avatar
April 4, 2015 at 1:08 AM
I enjoyed reading this. good job -JT
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
April 5, 2015 at 6:58 AM
Thanks JT xx
Dietrich Avatar
March 23, 2014 at 11:41 AM
this is so heartbreaking, mandy. You really opened up telling this story of your background . so sad for you and James and yet how you have grown and known success. I'm sorry about your brother but glad for your memories. he must have had such pain to leave this world. I agree with you that he bears on sin.
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
March 27, 2014 at 9:39 AM
hi there Andy , thanks love xx
May Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 6:14 PM
This is a beautiful tribute Mandy...so sad that he left so soon
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
March 27, 2014 at 9:38 AM
yes Jospeh it is sad and thanks for the comments my friend xx
Bauer Avatar
March 19, 2014 at 5:22 PM
wow, mandy! it's been a while since i've read one of your poems and this one is so poignant and beautiful! a very touching tribute to your dear brother - i feel honored to have read it!
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
March 20, 2014 at 7:53 AM
That's lovely Ilene thank you it's really appreciated xx
Horsman Avatar
March 19, 2014 at 10:10 AM
beautiful Mandy, your ability to tell it as it is is truly remarkable,,such sincerity, i know he would be so proud to see how his little sister finally turned out,,,when your words that are spoken, flow on to paper like heartfelt sensibility, in a way unique to you, only you,, ,
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
March 20, 2014 at 7:53 AM
Thanks Harry and bless you for your support xx
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