Compliment

There’s fifteen years between us,

My eldest bro and me,

So growing up we were not close,

For years did not, him see.

For he was sailing  ‘round the world,

A cruise line chef, was he,

Then in mid twenties, me near ten, 

Studied for his degree.

He’d moved out of the family home

When I was growing up,

Have only few vague mem’ries

For I was still ‘young pup’

And those mainly at Christmas,

As chef, he did take charge,

Preparing Christmas luncheon,

If we went near, he’d barge.

While I was late, in driving,

Health-wise, was not allowed,

I missed out on the reckless speed

Boasted by the “in crowd”.  

With age comes ‘ppreciation,

And that’s a two way street,

He acknowledged all the care

To parents, I did mete.

While visiting our parents

So I could get a break,

I’d pick him up from boat dock,

A quicker journey, make.

Years aft. gave compliment to me,

Compared, to all our brothers,

“Felt safer being driven by you,

Than any of the others.”

Coming from the eldest,

Must say I was fair chuffed,

More-so when unexpected,

My ego, he had puffed.