death fight

Dear Brother,

You cradled death
in your arms
where there should have been life.

You heard silence
in the room
where there should have been cries.

You saw stillness
in the body
where there should have been kicking

You tasted fear
in your mouth
where there should have been giggling

You smelled pity
in the hearts
where there should have been joy

Yes, you cradled death
in your arms
and you yourself are but a boy.

I wonder of the purpose
of all your hurt and pain
I can’t imagine how your loss
could be outweighed by a gain

they say that only men of great
get tested to their core
the more respect He has for you
the more He’ll make you sore

but words of rank are not enough
when I look you in the eye
when all I want for you, dear brother
is to hear your baby’s cry

I can’t change the moment
when death was born that awful day
but if I change myself, I know
I can bring a better day

a day when good and light will shine 
and all things will be better
and in your arms
you will cradle life

and her life will shine forever