My Brother Stayed

My brother stayed
When I got the ticket out
My brother stayed
Tuesday clinic, there and back

I sent money, he gave days
They know my name, but my brother stayed

I was twenty-two with a scholarship
Duffel bag and a borrowed suit
He was sixteen, fixing the gutter
Waving at me from the roof
Mama's sugar started climbing
While I was climbing too
He learned the needle and the numbers
I learned to call back late

Every Christmas I brought presents
He brought her to the table

My brother stayed
When I got the ticket out
My brother stayed
Tuesday clinic, there and back

I sent money, he gave days
They know my name, but my brother stayed

Mama's seventy this Sunday
Cake too big and the church hall loud
Pastor asks me to say a few words
'Cause I'm the one who "made it out"
I stand up with my speech on paper
See him in the second row
Hands still rough from fixing things
He never once said, "You should know"
So I fold the speech and put it down
Say, "I'm not the one you praise"

I thought leaving was the brave thing
Now I know what staying costs
He never asked me for a thank-you
So I'm saying it to all of y'all

My brother stayed
When I got the ticket out
My brother stayed
Tuesday clinic, there and back

I sent money, he gave days
Raise your glass, 'cause my brother stayed

Stand up, little brother