William

From before William
came into this world,
he wonders
did he take
another child’s place,
their space in this world?

Crayons and dreams
fill the pages of youth,
but William draws ghosts,
an unseen face.

Playing footie in the rain,
his goalie wasn’t there,
a brother lost…
before he was born,
who never took a breath,
too late to mourn

Each birthday candle,
a wish left amiss,
in the glow of the light,
he longs for the bonds,
that grow tight
over years.

In the park he swings,
a solitary boy
though he feels
the presence
of protection.

Where is the big brother
who will stand up
against the bullies?
Buy him his first pack of beer,
show him his first nude,
tell him what third base is?

Don’t tell William’s friends
but he’s cried
for the unseen face
carries his brother
in a sacred space.