Little Brother

Conor Gleason

I know times are hard, little brother
Split household
Divided family
Busy parents not always around
Microwave dinners and plastic silverware

I wish I could protect you, little brother
From angry stepdads
From drunk relatives
From jerks who push you around
From teachers who just don’t seem to understand

I’m sorry I wasn’t always there, little brother
I was afraid
Overwhelmed with anxious thoughts
Locked myself in a room
Gone when you needed me most

Some days are good
others not
But we will face the world
like we always have
Together,
Little Brother