Braveheart, by Stephen Kingsnorth

Siblings, by Paul Klee (Germany, b. Switzerland) 1930

Braveheart   

A double portion to the eldest son,
the first-born inherits more than equal share,
but for him, beyond his father’s will,
blood-brother, likewise, not of woman born.

Its distant lore from Siam torn, 
swimming from genetic pool and amniotic sac, 
after Caesar, each with legs, head, eyes,
but both with share core puzzles’ way, 
cord binding as aortic valve.
As jungle law, despite anatomy, 
first-lifted becomes the heartless one,
the second, bonded slave to brother’s will,
whose feet must tread where other leads,
despite the backward longing glance,
suggested sibling rivalry.

Will their intentions find accord,
though focus views on different points?
Where do their interests intersect,
Venn unions amongst the envelopes?
Is there record of common cause, 
alongside blooded arteries?
Maybe concord in same vein,
recorder play, remembered tune,
circulated rhythmic pulse?

Surgery may have a heart
but has it courage to model one,
or cordial to stimulate?
Is there a future fashion, both cards marked,
where one may become as two?

Stephen Kingsnorth

This poem was first published by Nine Muses Poetry.

Stephen Kingsnorth, retired to Wales from ministry in the Methodist Church, has had pieces accepted by some twenty on-line poetry sites, including The Ekphrastic Review; and Gold Dust, The Seventh Quarry, The Dawntreader, Foxtrot Uniform Poetry Magazines & Vita Brevis Anthology. https://poetrykingsnorth.wordpress.com/
​