DECEMBER

The above image is a misnomer. My brother used a 75 pound chain saw that felled the tree, called a "widowmaker" that ended his life. This poem which was published previously in this blog a few years ago, is my homage to a brave brother, who died doing something he loved.
Today is the 19th anniversary of my favorite brother's death. His name was Doug and I miss him hard, especially on this day. He was a great friend.

             

Drinking rum and coke and

Remembering that Christmas Eve

Over twenty years ago

When we drank rum and cokes

While I baked the chocolate

Pecan pies for the next day

We were laughing so hard

When I smelled burning-

Forgetting I had pies

In the oven

I said something dumb

Like ‘Do you smell smoke?’ (Thinking

My cottage might be on fire)

You looked momentarily perplexed

‘Weren’t you baking something?’

Oh my God! The Pies!  The Pies!

I jerked open the oven and

Smoke roiled out nearly knocking me down

Shit! Shit! Shit!

You looked at me serenely

And said, ‘Potty mouth’

In your droll way

Then we laughed our asses off

I poured you another drink

And proceeded to recreate

The pies all over again

You stayed and visited

Because that’s the kinda

Guy you were- a friend

I miss you, brother

And that’s why I’m having this

Rum and coke and

Remembering the good old days when

We were neighbors and

You dropped by and

Watched me incinerate Christmas pies!

-on occasion of the 19^th anniversary of my brother, Doug’s death, December 2000.