Brothers Just Burnt His Love Letters Poem by john tiong chunghoo

brother just burnt
the letters,
a bundle with the
recognisable characters
of puppy love -
our neighbour's
shoulder-length teenage
daughter people known
for her intelligence,
good grades in class
and beauty.
their resounding
laughter and tears
burst in the yellow flame
as it tears through
the envelopes and
papers with such
a coldness of purpose
my heart too has grown cold
as i witness this stoic
ending to a relationship
gone awry.
i turn away praying
that brother would
let the bygone
trail with the smoke
but the light
to guide him
to another world
where there is again
fun, laughter and
letters to share
the thoughts, aspirations
and love of youth.