Brothers Bonds

Not all my brothers are biological. Only after many years spent together did we come to know each other as brothers rather than just close friends. Over the course of that time each of us hurt the others with careless insults and mean-spirited actions. Almost always when we tried to have fun we were only downing ourselves in alcohol and drugs trying desperately to rid ourselves of the unpleasantness of our exceedingly needful lives. From suffering together, the bonds of our brotherhood were forged. There were never any others for which I ever have felt such an affinity. No amount of time or space will ever separate us. At the start, there were four of us. Each of our mothers knew us as their sons and they were proud. Now only two remain. We carry on in honor and for reverence of our counter parts. There was a time when that family lived chiefly on the sustenance of love for one another and all other things were secondary. Those days are gone. Only my brothers and I remain loyal to each other unwavering even in death. The state of being alive is momentary. Love is eternities food. My brothers know who they are. I cherish them so that I refuse to give up their names. There is nothing I have or will ever gain from this God forsaken place we called home more valuable than them.

In dedication to the undying love of brotherhood that wakes me in the morning and keeps me up at night.

T. E. Shay