Stroke of Misfortune

On finding my brother

My brother and I with our father, 1960 (Hayes)

I thought you were dead
your voice
was in my head
telling me you’d be away
to find a boat, a house
a country retreat,
not far from anything
just far enough
to mind your own business,
no-one else’s,
your body still, stark,
naked on the floor,
wedged between
wall and bed.