The Kind of Man You Are

   Here is another poem I wrote for my brother Roddy while he was still in high school.

The Kind of Man Your Are

My brother, when we two go out together,

I sometimes watch the people watching you.

I know it’s not for anything you do.

They watch you for the kind of boy you are.

So when you come home crying after school,

And tell me of some pranks the kids have done

I know that they were only having fun.

They tease you for the kind of boy you are.

Although your temper’s always been too quick,

I’ve fought you many times with my own hand,

You still, in calmer moments, understand

I love you for the kind of boy you are.

I know at times life’s pressures get your down.

You’re tired of attending endless school

While every stranger plays you for a fool.

You’ll face it, that’s the kind of man you are.

11/17/76