ANONYMOUS

I’ve fallen out with my younger brother,
Not the first time,
Probably not the last.
This time has a never before finality.

Now separated by an ocean,
We won’t be home for Sunday dinner,
The lethargy of overeating overpowering our squabbles.
The next time I’ll see him? Who knows.

Well meaning communication,
Misinterpreted, led to nasty words,
Our mule-like tendencies, unfortunately familial.
Lines of communication are down.

Our remaining sibling on a rock between us,
Ferrying news but no message,
“He won’t be home next Christmas”.
Another year will pass.

Sleepless in Camden,
Not yet bedtime in Brooklyn,
Still time to call.
Yet the distance is too great.