Notes About The Poem

One of my earlier poems written in 2018. A tribute to my stillborn brother, Jacob M. Kelly.

January 4th, 2007

I turned ten two days ago,
I blew out the candles with a heavy sigh.
You were born today,
Still.

Your lips inherited 
The reddest hue of cardinal feathers,
Your rice paper skin
Pale and soft, fresh as silken snow.

I never knew what your eyes looked like
They never opened
Infinite iris colors
Never to be discovered

When I held you in my arms,
The guiding hand of God 
drifted away
I gave the coldest of shoulders I suppose.

I looked outside the hospital window,
A frigid breeze made 
The trees sway with unease
But all the leaves stayed in place.

A confetti of dust drifted
In the air conditioned hospital room
And time yet stood still
On my brother's only birthday.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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