As lads we wondered carefree and oblivious

Worried only of the occasional sand spur or stone bruise.

Our sling-shots cocked and loaded, holstered in our back pocket,

waiting to catch a glimpse of a discarded can or bottled target.

I tagged along with my finger in your belt loop, knowing that as long

as you were in front of me, I was headed in the right direction.

Dear brother, you seemed so much wiser and your strength so much more abundant.

If only I could run a little faster or jump a little higher, or catch a larger fish than you.

We would climb our favorite apple tree, and often trade places on the limb to get a glimpse of the world through each others eyes.

Oh! How grand was the view from your throne in that ole’ tree?

And sharing the saltshaker, stolen from momma’s breakfast table every morning.

How savory it made those bright yellow apples taste.

Life was so sweet then.

And now, approaching our golden years, I still feel the need to hold on to your belt loop.

I promise to always keep you in sight dear brother,

Because you see, we are the characters Behind Wilderness Road.