Brother Warren Poem by Harlan Simantel

rocked me
in a rocking chair
when i was about 5

laughed us silly
then took a backwards dive

me in his lap
too much fun
no time for a nap

never competitive
no sibling rivalry i knew
among many brothers
of the simantel crew

loved to hunt and fish
drink and reflect in a bar
chat amiably with a friend

fished for salmon
on the willamette
his soul mend

gladly gave us a big slab
of that salmon red meat
with a smile on his face
shared his fresh river treat

i missed warren a lot
when he went to montana
to become a man
the rancher's way

big montana sky his roof
the wilderness his house
elk, deer, horse, and cougar
his fellows, even the mouse

he found himself

and probably God within
underneath that montana sky
and he probably still remembers
with pleasure
in the sweet bye and bye

i'll see him again
in his ranch in heaven
ride horses - and
talk about girls to ride!

living on the pleasant side
of the country road
in God's abode