Never was I
really close to my brother
We were quite
opposite to one another
Even train spotting
when I was a teen
Cycling to
stations he was still mean
Standing by a
stations buffer
There really was
no task tougher
Than to fend myself
from blows and punches
Though we each
had our own packed lunches.
Luckily this
sibling rivalry was ended
When another
school I attended
And grew away
from his admonition
And his lack of
true contrition
I found interests
of my own to follow
And he was left alone
to wallow
And so our ways
did part asunder
And I finished up
downunder
But still I yearn
for youth and those days
Of transition as on steam trains I did gaze
And wonder
whether in all our strife
There was some unity in our life
As we bathed in
life’s long dream
All swirling in
smoke and steam
Downunder - Australia
Even within our own families we can be so different that we can't always be friends with those we love or who we've been told we must love.
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense - why should blood alone determine who we find to be a compatible companion? But society uses every media to make us feel bad when those tight bonds aren't there.
I gave up on trying to be friends with my sister. She doesn't want it. You can only do so much to build that bond and then you have to let it go.
There is a wistfulness in this memory..curled up in the steam..sometimes we need someone to fight against to find out who we are..and love isn't always hugs and kisses..couldn't help think of the other 'Trainspotting' either..Jae
ReplyDeleteWow Mr. Egg..this one is awesome..the line "as we bathed in life's long dream" is great...it is unfortunate but it seems that no matter where we were raised there is always sibling strife...this story, written as a poem, could fit right in to a lot of family closets.
ReplyDeleteThis is a raw glimpse at youthful hope and sibling strife. Truly unfortunate that the bound was not as strong as the lines here...the consistent rhyme and the delicate language. I hope that it did not carry out into adulthood, hopefully the quarrel faded just as the swirl leaves after the "smoke and steam". I'm glad that there is reason, still, for yearning.
ReplyDeleteThe younger sibling always have a price to pay it seems, hope you forgive him. He didn't know how much hurt he caused, he will realize it one day but it can be taught only with love. Hope he reads this poem.
ReplyDeleteAs your uncle, I know it all. I felt bad for you then, and I'm sorry that the hurt and disappointment has lingered on in your memory. But here you are, still going strong and writing some terrific stories and poems, whereas he........well, daisies are a nice flower.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ann (bunnygirl) They say blood is thicker than water and so is chicken soup:)
ReplyDeleteIt was your brother's loss..a lot of people would have liked a nice little brother like you.x
I love trainspotting, and still do, though most the trains either look the same or are the same through my small town. Brothers are...well, they just are. I used to be very close to my older brother, and he was dutifully protective. But we got separated during all the divorcing and arguing between our parents. Your sharing here has so many dynamics of sibling relations and emotions. I appreciate that. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Old Egg! Believe it or not, I have one like that, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, really enjoyed reading that. Touching and thoughtful, it translates your feelings well and flows so nicely. x
ReplyDeleteEven with differences we still long for the times of idyllic childhood.
ReplyDelete