Paul's Birthday Valentine

Because we shared coming into this world

Into our strange and confusing holy family

Because you were the first infant I held

In my arms and I was only seven

I think I felt then so many

Years later looking back

A strange mixture of pride and envy

From the beginning and when

We grew up and went our ways

Meeting again only in the middle

Of our lives my talk turned into rancor

And after that we hardly spoke

For thirty years I think I felt

You were living the life

I had imagined for myself back then

And I resented you for it somehow

The life I had rejected for myself

And you into the bargain

But that was all a big mistake

Simple kindness tells me that

And your extended hand