the dead man’s can opener

the dead man’s can opener

my brother brian is deceased

but long before he died bequeathed me

shirts and food on which to feast

and baggy shorts that loosely sheathed me.

..

most useful, by far, undeniable

is this. it works. it’s so reliable!

..

the store-bought ones don’t keep the track

and jam and are of shoddy fettle

with too much plastic, too much lack

of elegance that comes from metal.

..

hey, brian. MISS you as no other,

but you still help.

you’re still my brother.

may Heaven be like fine resorts,

and please forgive…

i ditched those shorts.