Poem: Word to Lil Brova
By E.M.
Word to Lil Brova
Well dis is what I got to say, don’t go out there running the street like me everyday.
I mean just look at where I am at and where I could have been in could have been at home with y’all but I’m in jail with my cuzzins and guess what we all failed.
I failed as a big brother to you I was there physically but not really there for you. I fought for you, kill for you, even when we were little I usta steal for you because that’s what I didn’t want you to do.
I got beat up for you, even got jumped for you because as a big brother that’s what I was there to do to protect and believe in you.
Since I was little my criminal way put me in awkward positions but as of today my criminal ways are finally finished.
Well what I’m really tryin to say is don’t be like me be better than me show me that running the streets don’t run in our family.
Don’t be no fool like me not going to school and breaking every one of mom’s rules.
Show me that you can go to school and get A’s and B’s and get on the honor roll don’t give it to the streets but give god your soul.
By the way give mom a rest she don’t need no more stress on her chest she already have enough coming from me that’s why she always have swollen feet but just tell her prop up her feet I’ll be home any day now from her son.
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This is a really powerful poem–you demonstrate a lot of complicated emotions for your brother, but in specific ways that are very effective. These are my favorite parts:
I failed as a big brother to you I was there physically but not really there for you. I fought for you, kill for you, even when we were little I usta steal for you because that’s what I didn’t want you to do.
and
By the way give mom a rest she don’t need no more stress on her chest she already have enough coming from me that’s why she always have swollen feet but just tell her prop up her feet I’ll be home any day now from her son.
The image of your mother propping up her feet is a really excellent detail, and one that helps me as a reader relate to the poem. I hope your little brother reads this!
I just love this poem – it’s a beautiful message about love for your brother, your mother and yourself. Remember to treat all 3 like you love them, and please continue to write, I know you will succeed!
Your poem is really thoughtful and I appreciate you taking the time to write it. Sometimes we end up doing not so great things because in the moment we think it’ll give us positive feelings, although they may have negative, long-term consequences. I really appreciated you being honest with your mistakes and regrets not only as a person, but especially as an older brother. I think writing from this perspective offers additional insight on life itself. Thank you for being honest and vulnerable with us! <3
EM,
I really liked this poem to your brother! It was so full of grace, compassion and wisdom. I loved the line: ” show me that running the streets don’t run in our family”, and the play on the word ”run”. Please keep blessing us with your words of wisdom!!
Best,
Samantha
This was such a beautiful poem to read, and you can feel the love you have for your family. You portray a wonderful illustration of you caring for your younger brother and for him to learn from mistakes made. You seem to have found some peace writing this for him and I truly hope you go home someday. Please keep writing and keep your head up.
A truly motivating poem to your little brother! It is so true how younger brothers will follow in the same footsteps because they think they have to. They also think there isn’t another way out. Sometimes, even when we think we are doing the right thing, sometimes we aren’t but we can always learn and try to help out the people who will struggle next.
I hope your brother does get to see this and I’m sure he is always thinking about all the good you did for him! Keep strong and I wish you the best of luck!
~JP
This poem is extraordinarily powerful, both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The unconditional love you so clearly feel for your brother reverberates throughout the entire poem, and I love how you make such an effort to identify with and inspire your younger brother. Reflecting on past experiences shows a lot of maturity and personal growth from you, and your self-awareness highlights the wisdom, empathy, and love you’re imparting on a younger sibling. In my opinion, the fact that you made the effort to write this poem at all proves that you have not “failed” your brother, and I’m sure he would feel the same way. From a technical standpoint, there were a lot of rhymes and off-rhymes that worked beautifully (say/day, positions/finished, etc.) and there was a prevalent rhythm that made each line flow nicely. You clearly have the skills of a seasoned poet. I adored your work. Please keep writing!!
EM, as someone who grew up with a slew of little siblings that I felt like I had to take care of, I resonate so deeply with your poem. The universality of wanting to protect those you love and care about shines through in your poem, and your dedication to your family and the way in which you’ll do anything in order to keep them safe is evident. Similarly, the last stanza about your mother is so deeply beautiful. Even adults need protection like their children, and you provide that for her. Well done.