Don’t you remember, brother
when we would run through the sprinkler
shrieking as the cold water danced
around us in the glow of the afternoon sun?
Don’t you remember new rollerblades,
their rubber brakes squeaking
on hot, black pavement?
There were falls, scraped knees, neon Band-Aids
but also all the races, hills, laughter
and shouting “Look, watch what I can do!”
Don’t you remember Christmas, brother?
Snowballs flew across the parsonage yard
as Momma made chocolates and candies
in the kitchen with the yellow 1970s floor.
And the scent of pine needles on the
tree in the living room, the one we always
decorated with ornaments and candy canes.
Don’t you remember, dear brother,
all the things you taught me, the
“No, you draw dinosaurs like this,”
and the makeshift skateboard ramps?
Brother, please remember popsicles,
waterslides, fireworks and the green canoe.
Please remember piano lessons, snowboards,
chocolate chip cookies, Harry Potter and trampolines.
Remember that book about the dog who raised kittens,
the waterballoons that sailed through the garage,
Thanksgiving meals, and making “music” with pots and pans.
Remember the swing set behind that blue house,
the one with the unfinished basement
and quilts hung over the walls.
Remember huddling together on the couch
every Friday night, watching movies and
eating Chinese take-out.
I beg you, remember Easter egg hunts
and trick or treating. Remember shoveling snow,
and building forts out of blankets draped over chairs.
Remember Grandmother’s voice, long drives
to Iowa and swimming in hotel pools.
Because I remember.
I remember how Momma would say she’d shoot
you in the foot before you joined the people in uniform.
But off you went, now, and I don’t see you much.
But when I do, I hope you remember.
When I see you, my brother, please remember
the jokes, the tears, the joy and the fear.
Remember hoping and learning and laughing and
dancing. Because if you forget these things,
I’m afraid you’ll forget you’re loved.
And brother, when all else fails,
you must remember you’re loved.