We are brothers, close in age,
Always a test of the other;
Mom called us “Thunder and Lightning”.
We shared the same experiences,
The joy of growing up in country America.
Dogs, close neighbors, 5-cent ice cream, steam locomotives,
Fishing with worms and long bus rides to school.
We didn’t have much, we had everything.
We made our own toys; kites and guns, bows-n-arrows,
Wood boats to float in puddles and ponds.
There were glorious holidays with turkey and pie;
Hunting rabbits with our Dad and our favorite uncle.
There was the magic of Halloween,
Trick-or-treats when we knew no tricks;
The little brick church and the general store,
Full of penny candy.
Later there were neighbor girls,
Transistor radios, Rock-n-Roll.
And aching first dates.
Then time came between,
The Army and College drew us out.
We married but lived in different towns.
Children followed as years slipped by,
Thoughtlessly unnoticed.
As life passed, miles grew; we saw little of each other,
but always knew the other there.
Unexpected, he came back; broken and alone.
Everything he had was gone.
Prizes, home, health, wealth and family;
Even his dog, all taken and gone;
along with his memory.
But he is my big brother still, now even more,
With his courage and gentle strength.
We still talk and even laugh;
once in a while.
I see him every day and find blessings there.
It’s not easy, there are difficulties,
And painful challenges we never knew.
If else is taken; pray let me,
Continue to be his little brother,
In truth he cares for me.
Always a test of the other;
Mom called us “Thunder and Lightning”.
We shared the same experiences,
The joy of growing up in country America.
Dogs, close neighbors, 5-cent ice cream, steam locomotives,
Fishing with worms and long bus rides to school.
We didn’t have much, we had everything.
We made our own toys; kites and guns, bows-n-arrows,
Wood boats to float in puddles and ponds.
There were glorious holidays with turkey and pie;
Hunting rabbits with our Dad and our favorite uncle.
There was the magic of Halloween,
Trick-or-treats when we knew no tricks;
The little brick church and the general store,
Full of penny candy.
Later there were neighbor girls,
Transistor radios, Rock-n-Roll.
And aching first dates.
Then time came between,
The Army and College drew us out.
We married but lived in different towns.
Children followed as years slipped by,
Thoughtlessly unnoticed.
As life passed, miles grew; we saw little of each other,
but always knew the other there.
Unexpected, he came back; broken and alone.
Everything he had was gone.
Prizes, home, health, wealth and family;
Even his dog, all taken and gone;
along with his memory.
But he is my big brother still, now even more,
With his courage and gentle strength.
We still talk and even laugh;
once in a while.
I see him every day and find blessings there.
It’s not easy, there are difficulties,
And painful challenges we never knew.
If else is taken; pray let me,
Continue to be his little brother,
In truth he cares for me.
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