Blood of my blood

Standing in the darkened doorway,
my brother does not sense my stare.
Where has the little boy with the mischievous smile gone?
When did his loss of innocence take place?
Upon his shoulder, I see the tattoo bearing his name
And it makes me wonder what burdens are carried there?
Do his dreams consist of private demons and blame?
Does he sometimes wonder as to what he has become?
I shall love him forever for he is my sibling but
sometimes I don’t like this blood of my blood.
Angering me enough to want to scold him
as I did once, a long time ago.
But instead I stand in the shadows...
Recalling the little boy I once knew
and praying for the man he has become.

This poem is also featured at Bay Front Press