To remember untold truths
Things not said
Shared only in
Yourself
Realizing life after
Is only as hard
As we make it

BM2 John Castillo
1/5/25

Into the role
No one told them how
Give them the love
They may have missed
Because they didn't understand
Mostly give them respect
Most earned it

BM2 John Castillo
1/5/25

To be the inspiration
On which you build
Your own
Give your parents credit
For trying
Failing at some
But succeeding in you
You couldn't be
Without them
Give your parents
Forgiveness
We all had
To grow

As it is everlasting
At least to me
Family is who you choose
To love, care about
Accept as part of your
Family, it is sacred

BM2 John Castillo
1/5/26

You go to in times of trouble
Doubt, uncertainty
Family is sacred
As friendship earned
Defined as family
An example to those
Who follow that love
In a family is not given
It is earned
Tested, tested hard
Given more than a few thumps

We all held dear
I don't want us to disappear
I'd rather we be a tale
A fable, a legend
Not of valor and strife
But of caring, loving
Growing to understand
Each other
Be friends
Be the only one

Let me experience
Places not yet there
As they become
Let me be light

BM2 John Castillo
1/4/25

Reminded him
He isn't important
He means nothing
To those with something
He should stay hidden
Out of sight
Unobtrusive, innocuous
Accept his lot
Afterward, I walked away
Then wished him better luck than us

BM2 John Castillo
1/1/25

Of age
Spent holding beliefs
Unrealistic yet necessary
Losing ground
Yet fulfilling promises
Promises of youth
Of idealism
Faithful to myself
To the words
Which formed me
Time, age, pain ignored
An old fool's errand
A young man's promise
Unrepentant
Because there is no need

BM2 John Castillo