It’s the oldest siblings’ job

To protect the child younger

Mason is the oldest

I come in second

You were third, James

And Brystol fourth

You were my first responsibility

Mom put you in my arms

And told me so herself

It was my new job

To protect you

And guide you as you grew

I remember the first time 

You said my name

I remember the first time

You fell when you walked

I remember the first time

You smiled at me

I remember the first time

You watched How to Train Your Dragon

My baby brother

So young

So vibrant

I  never knew

How sick you were

I never knew why you were special

You were just my brother

No disorder

Nothing wrong

Just two eyes

One blue one brown

Framed by blue glasses

Smudged with brownies

But now I watch old memories

Play before my eyes

You’d think I’d feel better 

Knowing I won’t forget you

Knowing I won’t forget your smile

I won’t forget your laugh

Or the way you did your hair

How you said my name

I won’t forget you playing

I will never forget your face smudged with chocolate

I will never forget you dancing 

Loving life every second

I miss you to this day

Your smile

Your laugh

You made the town cry

All of us did

Wishing you’d open your eyes

But you didn’t stop them

From closing the casket

You didn’t stop them

Lowering you

And you didn’t stop me

From loving you