Image by author. (He made me step off the curb. He’s not really taller than me.)
Luckiest Man Alive
If you asked me
what makes a man
– and I mean
a good man;
someone who
keeps it one-hundred
at all times –
I would pause, smile
and tell you all about
my little brother.
If you asked me
what makes a man
a devoted dad
who may not have
all the right answers
all the time,
but who still
throws himself, full-assed
into the thankless
hard parts,
again,
I’d begin the convo
with my lil’ bro.
If you asked me
what makes a man
a keeper of the flame
a caretaker of
my earliest dreams
and fears
a silent observer
when silence is needed
a vocal objector
when I need to be checked
and called-out
the loudest supporter
when I need saving
from myself
and the ruckus-bringer
when shit gets too hot
and needs extinguishing
with a flame-thrower,
well shit,
you should already know
though I do feel bad for you
and great for me.
You see,
I’m the one
lucky enough
to be able to say,
“Let me tell you about
my lil’ bro, Phil…”
***
Written for my lil’ bro Phil, on the occasion of his 40th birthday, and shared on dVerse OpenLinkNight #243. Others contributed poems here.
Hephaestus’ Waste & Cosmic Rubble 
You care a lot for your baby brother. I love this tribute to him. Happy Birthday, Phil. The 4-0 is a big one.
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I do indeed. Thank you. I’m sure he appreciates the well-wishes.
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🙂
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Aw, he sounds great. Great picture, too.
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Thank you. The jerk pushed me off the sidewalk! I let him have his way though. 😊
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He sounds a lot like his big brother. Happiest of happy birthdays to him.
This is a great dedication, Barry.
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Ah shucks. Thank you, but he’s truly unique. Stronger, with a much sunnier disposition. 😉
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You’re welcome.
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Beautiful poem of praise to your brother.
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Thanks. 🙂
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Beautiful words to celebrate you brother. Best wishes to you both and the bond you share.
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Thank you. 🙂
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Awwww gosh!❤️ This is such a heartfelt tribute to your brother! I have a huge smile on my face 😀 wishing him a very happy birthday!! 🎂🎁🎈🎈
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Glad to make you smile. I’ll forward your wishes to him. Thank you. 🙂
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Yes Barry, it is good to have someone who is a rock to stand on. You are lucky to have Phil! I would think you reciprocate …
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Nah, screw that guy! He’s on his own! lol I kid. Thank you. 🙂
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you are very luck….love is love and a blessing when it comes from a brother…blessings…bkm
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Yes, I am lucky. Thank you. 🙂
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You have said things which many people think but do not put into words and that is the greatest tribute of all.
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I agree. Thank you.
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You are so lucky to have your brother. Great dedication to him and wonderful photo too! Have a good weekend Barry!
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Thank you, Grace! 🙂
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Happy Birthday Phil ! I hope Barry bought you a special present on your special birthday . You remember,,,that James Bond Aston Martin car he promised you when you were ten, if you delivered his love notes to that girl on the bus.
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What a wonderful tribute to give anyone… to have someone to give you such support has to be great.
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