Lift Me Up, Brother Poem by Patrick Akhudu

Look at me, agemate—
Stuck at this lowly spot.
Here we both used to be
Before you broke even.

Into what sleep did I fall
That I could not wake
And follow your steps -
Even in stupor of sleep?

Were my bones too lazy
To move me to school?
Or were my eyes so dim
I couldn't read a book?

Couldn't I also sit up late, Burning the midnight oil— Chasing bright dreams
In the dark of night?

I didn't lose sweet sleep
To design my dreams;
I stood against my prospects And dimmed my future!

So, my dear brother,
We walked two ways;
Yours lead to living large
Mine to perpetual penury!

Please, hold my hand;
Haul me out of this pit.
Or better still, bother,
Teach me to crawl out.

I may not sprint the rat-race,
But show me to walk
In small, steady steps
Towards brighter days.

The terrain may be terrifying,
And the climate harsh—
But my stubborn will
Shall deliver my dream.

Lift me up, brother — Even by the earlobes,
Grab my collar if you must -
Let the pain bring the gain.