Happy Birthday, Brother

Well, Brother,
here I am again, just like every year;
come to wish happy birthday
to my favorite big Brother.

The traveler returns,
grown weary from life on the roads.
I'd like to spend a few days with you;
a brief respite from my life
as an itinerant storyteller.
Then, off again; I need to make a living,
though it's a rough life for an old man.

Oh, my Brother,
I remember the day
you marched off to war;
so brave and handsome
in your sharp, new uniform.
I was so proud of my big Brother,
and just the faintest bit jealous,
I wanted to go with you.
Dad said I was too young,
and Mom needed me.

So, my Brother,
I was there when two soldiers came,
along with Preacher McGee.
They came to tell Mom and Dad
you were dead and how brave you were.
All the medals didn't matter,
because you weren't there.

You lie here on the local heroes hill;
Mom and Dad are under the big oak
over by Grandma and Grandpa.
I'm all that's left of our family,
and I'm almost eighty.
Soon, I'll sleep under the big oak;
From there, I can see your headstone.

You've slept in this graveyard
just on seventy years;
yet when I remember you,
you are a youth with laughing eyes,
marching bravely off to war.
and I am an old, old man,
weeping on your birthday
"Cause I miss my big Brother.