Brothers

                                                      They were the best of brothers
                                                      a mother's pride and joy
                                                      only fourteen months apart
                                                      between each little boy

                                                      They sat upon her lap
                                                      when both were very small
                                                      before she could turn around
                                                      they each began to crawl

                                                      They grew so close together
                                                      a thousand ways and more
                                                      inseparable paths they traveled
                                                      little boys ready to explore

                                                      A world of lizards and toads
                                                      they blew with the changing wind
                                                      playing in the dirt all day
                                                      every minute they did spend

                                                      Riding a pieced together bike
                                                      or climbing high in a tree
                                                      the things that brothers do
                                                      they were into constantly

                                                      The day they went to school
                                                      a mother's heart cried tears
                                                      for the little boys she knew
                                                      were growing up in years

                                                      When young men they became
                                                       her tears of pride fell more
                                                       with the changing of the times
                                                       they were placed on a different shore

                                                       One went to fight a war
                                                       the other was left behind
                                                       to serve his country at home
                                                       as they both were so inclined

                                                       A soldier and a law officer
                                                       they each stood proud and tall
                                                       different paths they did travel
                                                       to each they gave their all

                                                       A brother's heart was broken
                                                       one dark and saddened day
                                                       his little brother was gone
                                                       to heaven with the angels to play

                                                       But distance is never a barrier
                                                       to a brother's love so strong
                                                       and memories help to sustain him
                                                       enough to carry on

                                                       Susie Swanson, 2012


I dedicate this poem to my husband Kenneth. He lost his little brother, at the age of 51 on May 25,2002. He died suddenly of a heart attack.. They were and still the best of brothers. When they were growing up, they were inseparable, even after they went their separate ways.. They always supported each other in all aspects of their life.. Kenneth spent his time in the Army, having served one tour in Vietnam and Bill became a Highway Patrolman.,retiring with 20 years of service.. Kenneth played Football in High School, Bill liked driving fast cars and they both liked girls..They saved their money and bought their first car together..They shared their whole life through.. Bill got married first to his high school sweetheart..Kenneth got married two years later ( to the most beautiful girl,, sorry Gail).. And even though they lived miles apart they still leaned on each other..They were the best of brothers....To My Husband In Memory Of His Brother..... Love Susie