Kelley Kidd

The Day My Brother Died

Your sweet eyes knew the darkness in a soul. You suffered for your sanity. I am reminded of the lyrics from “Vincent” by Don McLean, “they would not listen, they did not know how, perhaps they will listen now”. I still see your face the last day you were on this earth. You looked like an old man who had seen the worst in humanity, sallow, not at peace. Your eyes opened one last time, in a moment of shock before closing forever. I remember the sounds, the smell of the room, the colors of the lights. I remember the feeling in my heart that was so painful. I swore to you that day I would never let you be forgotten. Your life mattered. My sweet brother. I wish I had known you better. I suppose I am one of those that did not know how to listen.