You Have to Dig Deep to Bury Your Brother, They Say

Photo Credit: Author. This was my brother’s wedding band, which he was buried wearing.

You have to dig deep to bury your brother, they say.
And when you do,
If you aren’t careful,
You’ll bury yourself —
Your past to future,
Your own life,
and his.
And when you dig that grave
For him
(And maybe for you)
You’ll realize there actually isn’t room for two.
Graves are not for the living.
Bury only your brother in this deep pit.
Not by choice, but by force
(And that’s okay)
Visit him in your memories,
And spread the love you have for him
To other people
Who are burying their brothers,
And sisters,
And children,
And parents.
To other people who can use this love,
Because your brother cannot.
When you dig deep to bury your brother,
Be careful to not bury you, too.