A Brother's Dilemma Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

What is this thing called death?
I have no understanding of it's meaning, as I'm only
three years old.
Everyone around me is either cross or crying, I don't
know what I'm supposed to do.
Mommy went to the hospital to have my baby brother,
he should've come home with her by now.
Yet, friends and family come and take me with them, I
want to stay at home where I feel safe.
No one listens to me, it's a dilemma, I go to my room
and lie on my bed.
Maybe if I sleep for a while and then wake up, every-
thing will be alright again.
It's really scary seeing grown-ups cry when I don't
know why they're doing it.
Mom is home without my baby brother, I haven't seen
or held his hand yet.
Where is he? Why did Mommy leave him all alone some-
where? He's going to be scared.
Lying in my little bed tonight, I can hear Daddy and
Mommy talking and crying.
I'm worried about them. Did I do something wrong?
Is it my fault this is all happening?
As I fall asleep, tears spill onto my pillow, as I
promise that I'll try and be real, real good
tomorrow.