The Last Mile
~~~
I did not want to see fear, not in those eyes
The one’s that stare back at me in the photo
Your arm pulling me to you, a big brother
My idol of a youth now many decades ago
~~~
I did not want to say a prayer, not those words
To your God who needed you more than I do
Who says you are somehow now earthly gone
Yet everywhere I look I find the pieces of you
~~~
I did not want to cry, not those tears
Falling onto to the freshly broken ground
Another flag to remember a hero lost
And the solace your rest has been found
~~~
I did not want to ride, not that bike
Not for the last time, kickstand down
They may have buried you in the earth
But this was your hallowed ground
~~~
commonsensiblyspeaking 
I feel your sorrow, Brad. A beautifully poignant tribute to him. May he Rest In Peace. Your pain has been elegantly done in your inimitable style.
Thank you Yassy! Your support and encouragement mean a great deal to me and I appreciate your generous kindness!
He was your older brother, whom you fought with but also looked up to. I know that the memories you created with him in the last few years are ones to treasure above all other. I am sending you countless virtual hugs for so eloquently defining your love for our brother.
Thanks sis! Riding his motorcycle from the house to the funeral home and back were the only times that being in the saddle brought me no joy. Love you deeply and always!
such a beautiful way to remember your brother. from your sister’s comment it sounds like it was a typical sibling relationship, but at the end of day, there was love for each other…
Thanks Jim! We struggled through many years in a relationship that was required by being family. But when his life neared its end, we found, in both of us, a way to let go of the past and become more than just family. We became friends!
nice to hear that the two of you were able to reconcile at the end…
Just goes to show that you can never say never….
👍
I’m so sorry for your loss of your sibling. I lost a sibling too, and know that it is a special kind of grief. your words say this so well and happy you made your peace before he was gone
Thanks Beth! It just goes to show that there is always an opportunity for things to change, if we are willing to be that change. I am sorry to hear that we share this type of loss and offer my sincere condolences on yours.
This is a most beautiful, powerful and meaningful way to remember your brother (information I got from reading the other comments), although a most beautiful poem it reflects a very painful time. You’ve said it in the perfect way…
Thank you, my friend!
You’re very welcome my friend!
😭
So glad to hear that the two of you made peace in the end. Sibling relationships can get pretty complicated.
Thanks Pete!
This is a lovely tribute to your brother. My heart goes out to you. Sending you lots of love & hugs! ❤
Thanks, my friend! He is still with me for every mile.
Yes, he is.