Fratres (Brothers) - Daniel Paul Gilbert

We stand across from each other,

strangers with nothing to share,

caught in the middle of the tension

between separation and belonging.

Two estranged nations poised for battle,

but with arms reaching out to embrace.

We have fallen to the earth wrestling,

with fists clenched and legs thrashing        

in our efforts to subdue one another.

Our voices vie to be the loudest

but our words become commotion,

drowning out the surrounding world.

A flame flickers within but struggles to burn,

its light reduced to something of a dull hum.

We chase the unceasing storm in us,

riding the tumult instead of letting go.

We are together and at odds all at once,

trapped in an unsolvable dichotomy.

But we both share the same breath.

We breathe in and we breathe out, 

our bodies filled by this elusive wind.

And although we may not perceive,

we experience and understand,

that we are in some way connected.

We are not disposable or worthless.

We are each precious works of art.

The same indefinable, ineffable spark.

ignites the beating of our hearts.

Beauty is formed within our being

and eternity is sown in our spirits.

So when our brothers are attacked

and their blood is heard crying out,

we are here to be their keepers,

we are given the power to unify,

steering away from confrontation

to protect and love each other.