Brotherly Love

No, it's not about Philly this time.

A master-class tormentor,

a tease extraordinaire,

the monster in our basement ~

oh, the ways I saw mon frère!

 

I knew he was much wiser,

by a half-a-dozen years;

he alone could chase the demons

that would bring me home in tears

 

Now the country sprawls between us

but the miles seem to fade

when our recollections harmonize,

in kindred serenade

Author's Note

Thinking about my big brother on his birthday. :)

Reviews

[Ashira Macy]

This was such a great write and so much fun to read. It brings to life a brother-sister relationship so well, because as much as you love each other there is still going to be some teasing and negative feelings between the two of you, though they will be forgotten by dinnertime typically. And being older than you he was naturally the protector as well, which is a wonderful bond to have with someone. Very well done, thank you for sharing this.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Ashira - yes, I am so lucky to have him, tease though he is... ;)

[richom]

Superb summary of sibling relationships. My brothers and I fought constantly when we were children. Now we are in our seventies and couldn't be closer. Family bonds frequently last longer than any other
relationships we form during our lives.
Your rhyme of extraordinaire and mon frere is truly inspired. I'm sure that will stick in my mind and someday I may shamefully steal and use it. I apologize in advance. Best wishes, Richard

[Rita L. Sev]

:) Thanks, Rich - for the words, and for the warning! I have one brother and one sister - we are all so different, yet have grown closer over the years. You are so right about family bonds...

[Jack...]

Very nice Rita. I'm sure your brother will be happy when he sees this. Tell me though, the basement, what meaning does this hold as far as your brother? The picture shows someone playing the guitar, did he have a band that practiced in the basement, I know I did?

[Rita L. Sev]

When we were teenagers, my brother "lived" in the basement. He used to scare my sister and me with stories of the "monster" that lived there when we were young; then, when he took it over as his room, we gave him the title of the "monster in the basement". :) The pic is from his website - he is a blues musician. :)

[Jack...]

That is so cool. My sister's room was in the basement or at least part of it and my room was in the attic. Third floor was hard to reach some late nights when I would stagger in. :)

[Rita L. Sev]

LOL! Ah, brothers... :)

[Frieda P]

Nice tribute Rita, always wanted a big brother myself, being the eldest is a pain in the you know what, lovely birthday gift for your big bro!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Frieda. We just found out he is moving back to the East Coast, so we can torture each other from close up again... :)

[Frieda P]

Oh that's great Rita, it's always better to torture someone up close & personal, my brother lives in Cali, so we still have to razz each other from afar. :-)

[Troy Henson]

A wonderful tribute to your brother on his birthday. Great emotional connection and imagery in this.
Very nice.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you very much!

[Aethereal]

This poem had a good theme, cadence, exact rhyme, and a metaphor that runs throughout. Rhyme isn't necessary if there's cadence and metaphor, but rhyme decorates the cake. Brothers and sisters are precious.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Aethereal; yes, I am a fan of rhyme - and siblings - and cake! :)

[Sami Khalil]

What a nice and lovely birthday thought for your big brother in a brotherly love...Well done...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sami!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)

[HavenMarie]

I love this poem. It reminds me of my brothers and I. Great read. :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, HavenMarie!

[Baby Ricochet]

This is a great dedication. Great job

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Mark. Truly appreciated!

[Angel]

I used to wish I had a big brother...but I was the oldest of Mom's kids.
Being the oldest sucks...you have to "be an example"...and when the younger kids mess up...it's your fault.
I have two younger brothers...both tormentors! But I love them!
Of course, we're all grown now...with tormenting tots of our own...

Fabulous write, I loved it...even if I am a bit envious...

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Well, he was the only boy, ad the oldest, so I'm sure there was some pressure there. I am the baby, so I was well protected... ;) Thanks, Angel!