Nurses helped you dress
As I stood out in the hall
Not knowing that, what was to happen next
Would be my most cherished morning of all

Though I could hear the steady tick outside
I had wished that time would freeze
I wanted to make that day a special day
Even if I had to get down and pray on my knees

While I watched you came out of your hospital room
All bundled and eager to go up
I looked at your smiling face, remembering
All your dreamy talks of growing up

You were so innocent then
Not that you were not, still
And though they were only hopeful dreams
They were ones I’d do anything to make real

I had helped you to the rooftop
To one of your favorite hideaways
Hidden from the beeps and machines around
Away from the realities of those days

You had me promise to keep the treehouse
And keep your worms out of the rain
Keep the spring lilacs and lavenders beautiful
Because you’d be home, one day, again

We sat leaning against the vent
With my arms wrapped around you
Your tiny body was pressed against me
As we looked out upon the view

Barely able to keep your eyes open
You tried mustering up the strength for me
I knew you were weak from months of chemo
And wanted to be cancer-free

Your big eyes gleamed when the sun came up
And both of us took in the sight
It would be the last sunrise we’d see
Before you’d surrender to the fight

You looked up at me with a tired smile
“Thanks for the greatest birthday”
After “I love you, big brother,” you closed your eyes
And I knew your pain had gone away.