May 1st 1957

It was 50 degrees in Carrolton 
the moment I took my first breath of air
At 8:40 PM he slapped my ass
Dr. Smith said to mom, “well lookie there”

It’s a boy to add to your collection
of crying kids that will need to be fed
Mama took one look and with a big smile
“well now I do declare” was all she said

That miracle of childbirth set my place
as the fourteenth child and the seventh son 
Forever known as just one of them kids
of Arlie and Sylvia Brotherton

Now that’s what my birth certificate states
but over the next twenty years or such
I would swear I had to be switched at birth
Cause I didn’t fit in with that crowd much

I know there were many times in my life
my parents would become true believers
that though I looked somewhat like all the rest
there was no way I was their son either
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Baker Avatar
March 1, 2024 at 5:56 PM
Thanks for sharing a little Bio with us Jerry. That's quite a big family you were a part of, my friend. I enjoyed reading your poetry today. Bill
Andresen Avatar
February 29, 2024 at 11:58 AM
- Fourteen children... woow... many mouths to feed - Sad that you felt you weren't one of them - A great poem, Jerry :) - hugs
Brotherton Avatar
February 29, 2024 at 5:55 PM
Each one of us at one time or another felt the same way. It's hard to find your own identity sometimes in a family that large.
Wolf Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 7:43 PM
Astonishing story, Jerry. A huge WOW from this reader. How'd you survive it all, man?!
Brotherton Avatar
February 29, 2024 at 5:53 PM
I'm Batman. Oh wait, that's another story.
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