Memorial Day (My Brother, My Soldier)

My brother passed away on the United States Army Base in San Antonio, Texas, at the Brooke Army Medical Center on August 18, 2003. He was 37. He loved the Army, serving his country…

~~~

My Brother, My Soldier

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We are so far from home,

he and I.

Engulfed in a land so foreign to us,

a city within a city. 

.

At times he is stubborn

and full of mischief,

teasing and laughing

the brother I know.

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There are times when he is reflective,

speaking as if

communicating with

I would guess, the Divine.

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He is so thankful for the help he receives 

and so apologetic when he is in need.

He loves and hugs all who are near,

Only they and I experience the fear.

.

His body tires and his eyes close,

he puts his hand in mine.

I wait silently for him to wake,

and I greet him with a smile.

.

I tell my brother he is a good soldier.

I tell my brother I love him so.

I tell my brother God is with him.

I tell my soldier it is okay if he is called to go…

~~~

k.Lynel (2003)