For Keith

Because you are special,
Because you are smart,
Because dear brother,
You have a big heart.

Because you are kind,
Because you are sweet,
Because I knew you
When you had little feet.

Because we’ve had fights
when peace wouldn’t do,
those times that I wanted
to leave you in a zoo.
Because you are strong.

Because you are so cool,
I’m glad you’re my brother
And I love you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Same Difference

We are not so different you and I.
You don't think so.
I can see it in that sneer and the tiny smile
you can't quite hide-a sort of satisfaction.
If I stare a little harder, I can almost see
the pat on the back you give yourself
You'd never sink that low, your face clearly says.
No, you're better than that, much stronger.
And I would laugh if it wasn't so sad.
Because the truth is that we're both lost.
Trying to make sense of a world moving so fast
that we've barely understood where we are
before we realised that its moved on ten paces ahead
and we are left forever trying to catch up.
That we're trying to find some kind of peace.
That you chose one thing and I chose the other.
I will concede that perhaps you were wise in choosing
a more presentable crutch.
The one you can take with you to company picnics
and take home to Christmas dinners.
But don't for one second forget its purpose,
Its a prop, just like mine
So spare me your pity and condescension.
The only difference between us is you play
for an audience and I don't.
We are same, you and I.