My Brother, Inspiration

I had a brother once.
I knew him well.
I loved him.

He was my spark of life,
My hopeful glimmer,
My friend.

But as I grew,
and work set in,
I slowly shut him out.

Each day his cries
To play and talk,
Would fall on empty ears.

I had less time,
We seldom spoke,
And he was wearing thin.

Each time he came
I strangled him,
my hand upon his mouth.

Come later! Maybe then
I’ll have time to laugh,
to play with you

But he came less,
I didn’t notice-
Work was everything.

I stifled every sound
and wouldn’t let him breathe.
Slowly I forgot

I had a brother once.
I killed him.
Choked out every breath.