Where You'Ve Been

I remember you when you were first swaddled. I remember your first steps waddled. I remember your first words spoke, And I remember your mispronunciation being our joke. I was there when all others left you alone. I was there to care for you as a son, my own. I was there when you were mercilessly beat, And I was there when the world crumbled under your feet. I witnessed the struggled transition from adoption. I witnessed when you grew and wished a different option. I witnessed when the stress took you and you lost control, And I witnessed when the darkness began consuming your soul. Gain for yourself some semblance of strength. Against apathy push back and keep at arms length Bitterness and rage which can so easily ensnare. Rise above and become a statistic much more rare. Improve on that which has made you great. Exuviate that which is only encumbering weight. Let yourself be better than the rest in your crowd. P.S. And bear in mind always, little brother, Despite where you've been, You've made me proud.