The machine hummed
Forcing the air
In his tired lungs
I looked at him
The mask
Covering his face
His eyes closed tightly
The constant beep
Reminding me
He did not breathe
On his own
This was my brother
My childhood friend
And often my rival
As we competed
For every advantage
As I alternately
Fought and championed him
Drawing a family circle
Around him
Even when the circle
Became a ring
He was my blood
The child of my parents
They’re gone now
My heart to break
Without their succor
Hope faded
That all intercession
Had failed
That the end
Would come
With the turn
Of a switch
And there was nothing
I could do
But let him go
