First Fall

Brother, this morning was full of movement, sun flooding

the windows and dew on every green thing. The clouds

slow motion behind the screen of leaves. I wish you

could see the treetops starting to turn into flames.

I wish you could see the dog bathing in the first

morning light. I think I’m the only one who knew

you mostly wanted to be gone. When we were young,

how many times did you save me from some small

choking thing? From fire and water. That time

in the river I almost remember. In the end,

it doesn’t matter how many times we’re nearly

gone. For years, I lived knowing  you were.