My Brother

A meditation on brotherhood

What is a brother?

A brother is someone
who you might barely see
hardly even know

but for whom
you would lay down your life

Inexplicably linked
by blood
friendship
or community

Who is my brother?
Where has he gone?
How much has he given me?

Matters not

When does he need me?
What can I do?
How far must I go?

Only that

he is my brother

A poem by Pemba Umoja