My Brother

I used to hear Mom tell me he’s my brother

But now I know I am and always will be his biggest fan.

I used to know him as a boy

But now I know him as a young man.

I used to spend days goofing off with him

But now I have little time for such foolish games.

I used to believe we would be best friends forever

But now I know I won’t have only one best friend in my life.

I used to be bugged that we had school together

But now I treasure those days we no longer share

I used to think we would always stay together, side by side

But now I know school and work will pry us apart.

I used to wonder why he would leave me all alone to work

But now I understand the load of work he had to deal with.

I used to blame him for everything that didn’t go my way

But now I see how much time with him I had lost.

I used to say goodnight with him when we went to bed

But now I lay down to sleep while he is up for hours.

I used to agree with him no questions asked

But now I find myself only arguing with him

I used to know every minuscule detail about him

But now I realize I don’t know him anymore.

I used to have fun with him and maybe I don’t have as much anymore

But now when I think of all our good times together I love him even more.