Where Was The Love For My Brother James Poem by Billy Thompson

To James, My Brother-In-Law In Love

My brother has left, never to return
I fear the reason for this senseless void
Shall I feign strength, and remain firm
Or face the truth and ask the Lord
Getting an answer won’t change things
However, I must ask to end my pains
What will happen to his expectant dreams
Where was the love for my brother James

An enigma he stood before you with a wide smile
Broad shoulders to hold you up as you stumbled
Willing to give you his first, and last all the while
Allowing you not to return the favor when he tumbled
Excepting nothing in exchange for his affection
That pains me most about my brother, my friend
Allowing you to help him was never an option
Surrounded by many until the bitter end

How can such a gracious man remain so alone
Always standing straight, equal, but separate
Never knowing the answer makes me groan
His parting so soon leaves me desolate
As my silence meanders I begin to moan
Surely we heard his cries, felt his thirst
Why couldn't I help, what went wrong
While the waves covered and he became immersed

I look to my memories, and recall his last words to me
'I need y’all Billy, I need somebody near'
I wonder why was I not able to answer his plea
Was I too afraid to face my fear
Afraid that I could not deliver what came from above
Being unable to really help someone so dear
Where was the love
As I ask again
Where was the love
For my brother James

Copyright © June 2005