An Obituary And A Tribute.... Poem by Bryan Taplits

Years we had-
but not enough-
A life of too swift 'apple-pies',
Yesterday my brother was here-
But today he‘s 'over there'-
Where all future good times shall now lie.

A tomb is his grave-
My memories he's paved-
And assures me
I have nothing to fear,
I see him in scenes…
see him in my dreams
But still I mourn…
for his voice never again shall I hear.

Always near to me
for he's carried in my heart-
A vigilant and faithful sentry,
Forever unseen,
But ever in play,
And-in my eyes-always his 'M' before my 'B'.

Reflecting in time through my windows-
Seeking advice
as we each made our way.
He would savage my heart-
then redeem it and start-
Leading me on the right path and right way.

My sanctuary, my refuge,
an angel and true
A reverberant and stalwart oak tree,
Yes, my brother is dead
but no more tears need I shed
For I'll carry him always with me.

Yes, a jewel in the rough-
And my definition of 'tough'
A treasure and fortress
I neglected to perceive,
A blazing star's light,
a hero, a knight
And now, in sleep everlasting..,
A symbol of perpetual good deeds.