Tonight my brother, in heavy boots, is walking br through the bare rooms over my head, br opening and closing doors. br What could he be looking for in an empty house? br What could he possibly need there in heaven? br Does he remember his earth, his birthplace set to torches? br His love for me feels like spilled water br running back to its vessel. br br At this hour, what is dead is restless br and what is living is burning. br br Someone tell him he should sleep now. br br My father keeps a light on by our bed br and readies for our journey. br He mends ten holes in the knees br of five pairs of boy's pants. br His love for me is like his sewing: br various colors and too much thread, br the stitching uneven. But the needle pierces br clean through with each stroke of his hand. br br At this hour, what is dead is worried br and what is living is fugitive. br br Someone tell him he should sleep now.