MY BROTHER
darkness constantly flooding his consciousness
choking him like smoke, smothering
any light there before
blackened now
when the cloud rolled in
my back was turned; ignorant
hadn't there always been
a storm there
noticing him only when he
screamed. i saw the smoke turn to tar
engulfing him. i cry out to
unhearing ears
as children, i often bullied him
did i plant this parasite feasting
on his happiness
it's my fault
that sweet, blonde, baby boy
chubby cheeked, eager for life
my own doll to love
to protect
he keeps sinking into the tar; he's lost
his only weapon against it: hope
how do you keep someone alive
who wants to die
-written by Beverly Setzer
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