First Fall
Brother, this morning was full of movement, sun flooding
the windows and dew on every green thing. The clouds
slow motion behind the screen of leaves. I wish you
could see the treetops starting to turn into flames.
I wish you could see the dog bathing in the first
morning light. I think I’m the only one who knew
you mostly wanted to be gone. When we were young,
how many times did you save me from some small
choking thing? From fire and water. That time
in the river I almost remember. In the end,
it doesn’t matter how many times we’re nearly
gone. For years, I lived knowing you were.
