I am reminded that when I got engaged seven years ago, my twin brother wanted to know two things. Did I get down on one knee to propose? And, did we ask our parents' permission? He did not ask why I was getting married, or if I was scared, or when the wedding would be.

When my marriage ended this year, my brother gave me the best piece of advice I have ever heard. He said to keep away from bad thoughts as though they were wild dogs after my food.

A poem commemorating an event that never happened

Though everything's changing
Our lives are not over.
Let's walk through the garden
Until you get sober.

The late autumn shadows
Reach out like a lover.
You're reaching for me
Till your senses recover.

I'll just hold your hand
And stay shoulder to shoulder.
Let's walk through the garden
Until you get sober.

You think you love me,
I think it's the liquor.
Your heat's beating fast,
But mine is much quicker.

May this memory slant
Like the sun in October.
Let's walk through the garden
Until you get sober.

I can't follow you down
To your bed for the evening.
When you come back,
I'll find out if I'm dreaming.

Now the moon's in the sky
And the wind's in the clover,
I'll walk through the garden
Until I get sober.