My History of Me, One Day

We awakened, we argued, just like we had done before
It was mostly about football, the Celtic versus Rangers score

I would choose my team, as usual he would choose his
Pushing and shoving would then entail, growing brotherly bliss

But this was a day that was going to unite us, brothers, yes we
For we were getting our uniforms, the Boys Brigade's 4th Company

Football squabbles we left behind, to Bishop Edens we would go
It's our Primary School, did I tell you, our learning's in scholar show

As usual we met at playtime, in the same team we always played
We were like Pele, no doubt, well! it's what we tried to display

To the clock we always watched, as we told each other after school
Lets hurry home to have supper, for the 4th Company in us ruled

We left the caravan together, then brotherly competition arrived
Hey James! I'll race you to the canal, my little legs in strive

Into the distance he ran, blimey! he's much faster than I thought
I must continue to look up to him, he's my elder, I'm sure well taught

Just as I turned the corner, now knowing that I'm lagging behind
One minute he was there then gone, images now run through my mind

What I have witnessed, is now focused, a JU250 van has swept him away
It's impact I feel in my heart, I'm now in slow motion play

I now reach the junction, in my peripheral I hear my brother scream
Nothing like this I have heard, am I absorbed in a nightmare dream

The driver exits the van, his head he holds in his hands
I'm seven years old in tears, just trying to understand
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
December 12, 2011 at 10:03 PM
my goodness. This sounds horrible what happened, James. it was true?? Did you lose your brother? A poem with an emotional punch. congratulations on your win.
Brown Avatar
December 12, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Congratulations on your placement in Frank's "A History Of One Day" contest James. Love, Carol
Song Avatar
December 10, 2011 at 11:25 PM
This is such a graphic account of a dreadful day..I am glad u placed in this contest...Written from a heart in anguish, you communicate so well this emotion to the audience. Congrats, James. Happy holly-days too.
A   Avatar
December 10, 2011 at 10:38 AM
JAMES, congratulations in FRANK'S contest, have a wonderful day,..p.s.
Poet Avatar
December 10, 2011 at 9:06 AM
A touching write James.Congrats on your win.
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
December 10, 2011 at 5:39 AM
Congratulations on your win. What a day this is tragic and written so well x
Song Avatar
November 20, 2011 at 4:19 PM
Sometimes I am at a loss for words....sometimes....this is one of those times...WOW! What a story...u have the audience in between heart beats and breaths...written so well, James. Gwendolen
Wilson Avatar
November 20, 2011 at 8:22 AM
How tragic, a very sad story well told James
The Rogue Rhymer Avatar
November 19, 2011 at 11:59 AM
James-I am very impressed-you told this sad story so well-really had me engaged-much luck to you in the contest.
Dufresne Avatar
November 18, 2011 at 5:14 PM
man this is a heartbreaking tragic story. Must have been awfukl to witness such a thingYou told the story well in poetic terms James!
Deane Avatar
November 18, 2011 at 2:16 PM
James your poetry is filled with a quiet honesty...glad I stopped by and hope all is well...luv shannon
Fraser Avatar
November 18, 2011 at 2:23 PM
What you read Shannon, happened on the 19th of February 1969. I so love to write stories in poetry, this one is one I witnessed at 7 years old.....
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