To My Brother, Arthuro Poem by Elizabeth Padillo Olesen

To My Brother, Arthuro

I have just started to put together all
your letters, and discover how many years
you have written messages from your heart
sealed in envelopes with your shaking fingers.
You have your own art in making yourself
understood, raising your sighs and pain in life.

I still hear your voice from the last
visit in July this year and only to find out
that in my next visit in our home island
you will not be there anymore among the crowd
to tell your stories and the stories
of the struggles of our home people.

Strange that you leave us behind
without saying tearful goodbyes.
By death you are now fully separated
from the living, and cannot be touched
cannot be talked to for things that need
to be challenged and asked.

I think I miss you and I wonder why
Death claims its right over your life.
I can only give you back
to the Hands of God.
________________
after knowing the passing away of my dear brother, Arthuro Padillo, on October 12 in the Ubay, Hospital, Bohol, Philippines