a ring for my brother
and a silly red nose.
his laugh lines
are so deep
you'd almost never notice
the ones running
up and down
his arms.
he jokes and dances,
tries to keep you from seeing
the noose beneath his bed.
around his head.
and then it's too late,
he's already hanging.
and the crowd cheers
for such a wonderful
act.
as he sways from the ceiling
and you find yourself reeling,
screaming
