It started in football, the first time you were noticed.

“Number 64 is pretty good!” people said in the sidelines.

I would smile because I knew that.

Then you lost weight and your acne cleared up.

Girls would whisper to me, “Your brother is so hot!”

I would smile, because I knew that.

Then you graduated and went to college, you got good grades and made everyone proud.

Teachers would stop me after class and say, “He’s so smart!”

I would smile, because I knew that.

Then you told me that you were joining the marines.

You said that football wasn’t enough anymore.

I smiled, because I knew that.

When you left people were sad and scared.

They wouldn’t say that to you, but they would tell me that you were so brave.

I would smile, because I knew that.

Then I had a bad dream, I woke up crying.

I wanted to find you, but you weren’t home.

So I went upstairs to see mom,

She was crying next to a soldier at the door.

Her eyes met mine and my knees buckled

Because I knew.