Little Brother

spider-man socks on a spider-man stool
tears in his eyes
on his face
just barely eleven.
his birthday presents
still at the bottom of the stairs.

I want to run away
from this house
from this woman
from this man
but this boy
this brother of mine
keeps me here.

he's always so excited for any "family time"
family home evening
dinner together
games together
or just a movie.
but how often do those things happen?
never.

this poor boy
acts tough
like he doesn't care
but he cries
for us.
he mourns
for us.

I love him so much.
I just never tell him
never show him.
I'd take him with me wherever I'd go
if I could.
I'd protect him
if I could.
but all I can do
is show him
that I love him
show him
that he's not alone.

and from now on
I will.

-<3-

<\3 = brittany


I love him so much.