Lines To My Brother

I thought I knew you, William Kane. No sooner did my world begin Than you were peering down at me And I acknowledged you as kin. I thought I knew you, William Kane, No matter how thick your disguise. I was both prey and pet to you, Someone to fear yet idolize. We ran together in our yard. You clasped my hand tight in your own, And I was glad to feel its warmth, Yet glad when you stole off alone. “Able,” they called me, but I knew That you possessed the keener brain. When praises came my way, I thought: Credit should go to William Kane. You thrust me forward like a shield. Not one soul saw you tug the chain. I was your spokesman-advocate, Your buffer brother, William Kane. You were a man that people liked, Tactful, good-humored, not profane, Affable always, much admired, Coping heroically with pain. When illness ripped your mask away And all deception was in vain, I tried to pull you from your hell But lost my balance, William Kane. The grass grows slippery and red Where I am lying in the rain. Once more your troubled gaze meets mine. I’ll never know you, William Kane.