Brother

Visiting my brother
In Amsterdam where he
Lived his life as a classical
Bassoonist and maker of old
Baroque period bassoons
I noticed over six weeks
That when he smiled
His whole face lit up
Wrinkled grinning
And everything
Around him
Brightened
Even my
Heart.
When I left
Back to Texas
He said he had
Thought he’d not
Last a week putting
Up with me but he was
Amazed we had gotten on
So well and I pointed out
To him that as kids we
Had lasted 16 years
As roommates so
I was the longest
Lasting one he’d
Had and was
Still friends
With so no
Surprise.
His face lit up
In a smile and we
Waved a goodbye.
He was a musical genius.
He passed a few years ago.
When I see a wrinkled
Smile brighten up
A room I think
Of him and
Wish him
Well in
His next
Assignment.