From before William came into this world, he wonders did he take another child’s place, their space in this world?
Crayons and dreams
fill the pages of youth,
but William draws ghosts,
an unseen face.
Playing footie in the rain, his goalie wasn’t there, a brother lost… before he was born, who never took a breath, too late to mourn
Each birthday candle,
a wish left amiss,
in the glow of the light,
he longs for the bonds,
that grow tight
over years.
In the park he swings, a solitary boy though he feels the presence of protection.
Where is the big brother who will stand up against the bullies? Buy him his first pack of beer, show him his first nude, tell him what third base is?
Don’t tell William’s friends but he’s cried for the unseen face carries his brother in a sacred space.