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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




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Date: 3/1/2024 5:56:00 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
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Date: 2/29/2024 11:58:00 AM
- Fourteen children... woow... many mouths to feed - Sad that you felt you weren't one of them - A great poem, Jerry :) - hugs
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Jerry Brotherton
Date: 2/29/2024 5:55:00 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.
Date: 2/28/2024 7:43:00 PM
Astonishing story, Jerry. A huge WOW from this reader. How'd you survive it all, man?!
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Jerry Brotherton
Date: 2/29/2024 5:53:00 PM
I'm Batman. Oh wait, that's another story.

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry