Notes About The Poem
This actually happened. My brother Al and I were 5 and 6 respectfully and Billy and Bobby were our best friends. We grew-up in a small town that was safe and the park was but two blocks away and this allowed us freedom and fun. I lost my brother in 2025, 61 years after the events of this poem/ I miss him deeply.
My Brother Al
My Brother Al
Kevin Davis, 2024
Allan and Kevin were two brothers close,
Laughing together, the bond they loved most.
One summer day beneath the old backyard tree,
They climbed up high, each scraping a knee.
“Let’s go to the park!” Allan said with a spark.
“We have to ask Mom,” Kevin answered, still sharp.
They ran inside and scrubbed their dirt-covered hands—
United in their quest, making summer plans.
Together they asked, “Mom, can we go to the park?”
She smiled, “Alright, but be home before dark.
Stay together, and don’t wander alone.
Why not see if Billy and Bobby can come along?”
“I’ll call their mom—walk safely, stay near.
Be back in two hours; I want you right here.”
Off the boys ran in the warm summer sun,
Hoping their friends would join in the fun.
Billy and Bobby were already outside,
Their mom had approved, their excitement wide.
“You can go but be home in time for dinner.”
Off they all sprinted, each trying to be the winner.
Down the street they ran and happened to meet
Mandy the war dog, once fierce in defeat.
Now sun-soaked and gentle, her battles all done,
Her tail wagged wildly at each laughing one.
She’d guarded in wartime with power and speed,
Feared in her day for her strength and her breed.
But the boys all knew she was now a soft friend—
A teddy bear heart with no need to defend.
Her muzzle was on, and she sat when told,
Tail wagging proudly for all to behold.
They rubbed her warm belly and scratched her head,
But time was slipping, so onward they sped.
At last, at the park, all four boys took stride
Toward the towering, hundred-foot slide.
Up the tall staircase they climbed with care,
Excited and trembling at the height of the air.
At the top they found someone’s forgotten toy pail
And argued who’d hold it on the way down the rail.
“You go first!” they challenged, and Kevin agreed—
Down he shot, a blur of speed.
“Come on, scaredy-cats!” he called from below.
“Don’t bump your heads—just let yourselves go!”
One by one they slid down with a shout,
Then raced back up, their fear shaken out.
Over and over, they climbed in a flash,
Sliding down laughing, a thunderous crash.
They challenged each other to see who could ride
The most daring trips down the giant slide.
They played until Bobby said, “We’d better remember—
Our moms want us home before supper.”
“One more!” they agreed, then slid with delight,
But the merry-go-round caught their eyes in mid-flight.
Before they could start, a voice called from town—
“Get moving, boys! Mom wants you home now!”
An older brother had come to end the day,
And together they ran, shouting plans for next play.
Tomorrow they’d return for a hundred more rides,
More laughter, more daring, more summertime pride.
All four boys felt older, a little more free,
Growing together beneath childhood’s tree.
What fun Allan and Kevin had—though they wished inside
They’d taken just one more glorious slide.
But memories shine brightly where love will abide,
In every backyard tree and a little boy’s pride.
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