Angel Brother

My baby brother
has slept in the ground
for 32 years.

Dead and gone,
leaving just
a scant few photographs,
and fading memories.

I grew up
and moved
far away from home
and his memorial stone.

Visits were few
and far between.
Time and distance
became longer
as I grew older without him.

I would visit
the old hometown
from time to time,
stopping to visit
and leaving flowers.

I always thought
I had shirked a duty
and never watched over him
as he grew,
because he was gone.

Then a new friend
told me something
I never thought of,
and made me smile
and finally accept loss.

KD thank you.
For though Peter
is no longer here on earth,
I am content knowing
My angel brother
is watching over me.

My baby brother
has slept in the ground
for 32 years.