I don’t know how much
Corpses can hear,
But if you’re hearing,
Some things must be made clear
After this first year.

You’re an idiot. And I love you.
You’re a genius. And I’m jealous.
I miss you
and forget you
like you often forgot me.

Would you say “proud” on graduation day?
Would you lecture me in cap and gown?
Would we hold
each other when
our mother gets lowered down?

I don’t know how much
We’d have got along—
If you would join me
To sing old folks’ songs.
But at least then, Brother,
You wouldn’t be gone

I don’t know how much
We’d bicker away
But at least, dear David,
We said “I love you”
On Valentine’s Day.