GRATITUDE

For the will power that you had
For staying around even though mad
For the softness that you showed
For the moments that you borrowed

For the little things that you gave up
For the the world that showed up
For the times that you continued
Without thanks, a smile or gratitude

For the little things that you say
For believing in a piece of clay
For acting like you chose to be
I know it was hard dealing with me

For the many times that you did without
For the many things you did not doubt
For the times when you slipped and failed
For the times you stood despite being frail

For the times your rose having fallen
For the words, though few, not forgotten
For the cribs, stars and the trees
For the talk of little birds and bees

For nights with just six hours of sleep
For days without a moments peace
For those moments of quiet desperation
When all that was valued seemed forgotten

When times were rough and you stood tall
Through winter, spring, summer and fall
In happy times when you did laugh
In hard times when things were rough

In thought, action, word and way
The future, tomorrow and today
I wish, hope, dream and pray
To personify my gratitude

PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS

You are not here, in my presence now
To make up for the past, I know not how,
Little things, they hurt so much
Words, thoughts, actions and such.

You were little then, and I knew no better
Self absorbed in I to the letter,
Never knowing what would come to pass
Competing for everything, alas.

Your tiny hands, your loving face
It passed by me without a trace,
My clothes, my bike and my car
I chose to keep, I chose to spar.

Remember when, I had two
Somehow it never would do,
That I could give, mine to you
And feel happier about it too.

Remember when we had bikes
And rode our way to school,
I confess now, that you I blamed
And yet you kept your cool.

As we rode along that bumpy road
You showed your character in silence
I hang my head as I remember
That it was all on account of my obstinence.

It could've been ours
Yet I thought of mine,
It could've been we
But I thought of me.

Little brother dear, of all the things
That I rather not have done,
I am sorry most for the time that passed
Without acting like our father's son.