My Brother, My Friend

I followed you around when we were young
I worshiped you; your praises I sung
You were so much older and wiser and right
You were my north star in my blackest night

I broke your clowns when I was three
I cried on your shoulder when I skinned my knee
You were always there when I needed a friend
You were the unwavering force that would not bend

We sang in the kitchen, you and me
Classic oldies, and ballads and Fiddle de Dee
Summertime in soprano and bass
Our own special concert in a warm homey place

I grew to my teens and you threatened the boys
Not letting them treat me like one of their toys
Then off to war you went and I cried and I prayed
That God would return you to us as we waited afraid

Home you came; we wed the loves of our life’s
Through happiness, birth and the day to day strife’s
We shared every one; burdens and bliss
Even the death of our parents, we made it through this

You moved across country but we still stayed in touch
Birthdays, holidays, grandchildren and such
But you called me tonight to give me the news
That my best friend and my brother was singing the blues

The prognosis wasn’t good; I cannot accept
I cussed, and I paced and then I just wept
Now I'm praying again that He'll answer my plea
To help you, to cure you, to keep you with me.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Smith-Johnsen Avatar
August 4, 2009 at 11:15 PM
Congratulations, Lena, for your placement in Nathan's sibling rivalry poetry contest. Very nice. Is it too late to pray? I will. Love, Dane
Mason Avatar
August 4, 2009 at 3:32 PM
This is so beautifully done, Lena ... your brother is lucky to have you. I so wanted a brother ... I'm envious ... smile ... I'll add my prayers to all that he gets well soon and congratulations on your win in Nathan's contest. This surely is a winner of a write!!
Gorelick Avatar
August 4, 2009 at 8:49 AM
Send him this poem..it will give him a lift. My thoughts are with him.. Congrats on your win in the contest. BG
Johnson Avatar
August 4, 2009 at 8:01 AM
I love this one. Sounds like one of my kind brothers. I have lost 4 of them, just have my baby brother left. Congratulations on your kind brother and your win with your poetry. Love, Joyce
Brown Avatar
August 4, 2009 at 3:20 AM
Congratulations for your win in Nathan's contest Lena . Love, Carol
Leccese Avatar
August 4, 2009 at 2:23 AM
Congratulations on 8th place in my contest! Nate.
Eckiwaudah Avatar
July 27, 2009 at 4:28 AM
nice write. enjoyed reading it. loved it. always, cherica lynn <3
Freeman Avatar
July 24, 2009 at 10:56 PM
I am a little late on this comment, Lena, I was not yet on soup when you posted this poem 5-29-09. However, it is a well thought out poem, and has natural flow to it. A sad occasion tho, how has it turned out! God bless you. And your most gracious comment was totally appreciated, as always, Love Moses
Orozco Avatar
July 11, 2009 at 2:33 PM
Beautifully expressed! Well written piece! - eduardo
Hudson Avatar
June 30, 2009 at 8:17 PM
Beautiful sentiments expressed here-AA
Ahmad Avatar
June 21, 2009 at 8:21 AM
Nostalgic!!! Very nicely written!
 Avatar
June 13, 2009 at 7:54 AM
The emotion comes through your words. The last stanza brought tears to my eyes. Wonderful tribute to your brother and the love you share. Congratulations on being one of the winners in Chris's contest. Enjoy your honor. Karen
Winter Avatar
June 11, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Congrats on your beautiful poem placing in Christopher's contest. Hope and pray your brother gets well. Warmest wishes. Love, Shar
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
June 5, 2009 at 1:30 AM
Lena, I'm crying for you and your brother. And praying. This poem is perfectly composed. To have such great love for your brother is so special. Together you've been through so much. Do you have any good news, yet. Miracles do happen. God bless you both. Lovingly, Dane
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