Brothers
Ice hits the glass,
glass slides across the bar,
barring any interruptions,
the scene is set for a spar
two identical drinks
two identical men
they used to be brothers
they used to be friends
one wears a smile
the other a frown
“It’s been a while
welcome back to town”
“You know it’s by force,
I had not a choice–”
“Nonetheless old friend
I missed your voice”
“Perhaps the sound,
but never the words
I cried and I screamed,
but you never heard.”
“You condemn me so,
but brother see why
we have won this battle
God heard our cry”
“You praise a book
you didn’t truly read,
and though I studied many
I preach the dangerous creed?”
“You want us to be weak
forsake the strong
we won’t walk on eggshells
we have been here all along
believing in family
the sanctity of life
the sacred union
between man and wife
our kids are our future
I want them to behold
the glory of this country
the greatest in the world
the future is unsure
that’s why as it nears
we must draw the line
between there and here
I am the happy one
it cannot be you
you don’t protect what you have
you’ve lost who I knew”
“You might be happy,
but it’s why you can’t see,
I wouldn’t be you
because I couldn’t stay me.
Knowledge is a burden,
empathy even more,
but reality doesn’t change,
just because you ignore
Brother, I love you,
and I hold your life dear,
but you don’t lead with love,
your mind’s guide is fear.
Hate has infected you,
corrupted your soul
where there once laid a heart,
I see but a hole.
Yes, some are from here
and others from there
but when we all bleed,
dark red blood we all share
Maybe one day you’ll wake
and waiting I will be
because we can grow; we can change
that’s the beauty of humanity.
I’ll do my business in town
then once again I’ll depart,
but one day I’ll be back
and I’m sure we’ll restart”
“Goodbye then brother
and though you think me mad
I am sane and even realize
that you are not half bad
I pity your pity
the suffering you feel for all
I won’t change but if you ever do
don’t hesitate to call”
The two brothers leave,
place their cash on the bar,
and the bartender can only think
What complicated men brothers are!
Copyright ©
Alex Michaels
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