MY BIG BROTHER Ljiljana Jones Alex, I can’t believe you never told us How seriously you were ill, And how the hope was vanishing For you to be with us still. I can’t believe my big brother After 68 years has been taken away, When we should have had much longer To share our lives and experiences each day. A chubby baby boy with curly blond hair Was two and a half when I did appear, Now 66 years later you have left my side Taken too early, my dear brother, my guide. You’ll always be my big brother, Someone to look up to, who showed no fear, Remember when you were 4 grabbing a gander by the neck When the postman came near? You left a legacy in my name As you couldn’t pronounce it fully, And since I was born I have always been your sister Lily. You’ve had your fair share of suffering, Frequent tonsillitis as a child, And even stricken with polio when you were 7, But thank goodness it was mild. There are too many fond memories …… Visiting me in Sheffield and breaking a leg; Coming to Munich, jumping in fountains, And drinking German beer from the keg; Our yearly trek to the Ideal Home exhibition, Stopping at every single stall, trying all the tasters, We were on a mission! Our last trip together, Three siblings visiting Wales, Is something I will treasure, Homage to Snowden, the plate bag, the hotel’s clients’ tales. I can’t believe I’ll never again hear The jokes that you would tell, Or share the fun and laughter At the impersonations you did so well. I can’t believe there will be no more Christmases To share at your house or mine Or seeing you enjoy your food When you come over to dine. I can’t believe I can no longer phone To ask for help doing repairs, The perfect handyman Who has helped me out over the years. Dying so soon after Dad, I find it hard to believe, And I know you wouldn’t want us to grieve, But, Alex, I will forever miss you, God bless, rest in peace, I will always love you.