Howling, cracking, crashing.
I couldn’t see, but I felt it to be true.
My brother has fallen.

Was he weak? Is that why he fell?
If he was weak, then I was weak.
If it was his time, then it was my time.
He was not weak, for I was strong,
and it was not his time, for I am still standing.

Why, then? He fell in a wild storm. There was no shame.
Why, then? The wild storm was strong, but not too strong.
I don’t know why he fell, but it just as well may have been me.

Was he weak? Is that why he fell?
We’re aged. Less resistant to the wind and rain.
If he was weak, then I am weak.
We’re aged. Reaching the end of our growth spans.
If it was his time, then it is my time.

My brother has fallen, so I too shall fall soon.