I recall my oldest brother,
Flawed though recollection be;
Scalpel wit and thoughtful manner,
Man of practicality.

Ever with a clever comment,
Born of academic mind;
Looking up and ever forward
Though much grieving lay behind.

Sad afflicted was my brother,
With a wicked malady;
Bravely fought against that illness –
Bravely fought, and now is free.

*****

I recall my youngest brother,
Four good years above my own.
Troubled days we spent together,
Wounded heart now overgrown.

Charming, laughing, always funny,
Blessed with popularity.
Cursed he was with demons bitter,
Deep within.  We did not see.

Much I have to tell my brother.
Much is sadly left unsaid.
By his hand, in midst of darkest
Misery, his life has fled.

*****

I remember both my brothers,
Loved them both until the end.
Love them still, though grief be bitter;
Sometimes hearts will never mend.

Golden years we spent together.
Sadly, what they say is true:
Never will you know your blessings
Til, one day, they’re lost to you.

Sadly passed but not forgotten,
Gone again from whence they came.
Only lost in mortal presence;
In our hearts they still remain.