Disclaimers: The usual. Bobby doesn't belong to me.

When Sam, Billy or me

Wanted up in a tree

Or a treat before bed

He'd say "Go ahead!"

I liked him - and my brothers agree!

Our Mom gave him hell

For the stories he'd tell

We'd laugh till we ached

(But Mom's anger was faked

I know that she liked them as well)

Who'd have guessed at the start

That he could make me like art?

History, science and chess

I have to confess

I didn't think him that smart

I rarely saw him frown

When the kids were around

His behavior was outrageous

But his smile was contagious

He would be both teacher and clown.

Billy's always been shy

But Bobby would try

To make him behave

As though he were brave

And it worked! Though I can't tell you why.

Before Bobby came

Sam would frequently aim

To act worse than our Dad

He could be pretty bad

Mom said trouble was his middle name.

Though he denied expertise

Bobby'd charm birds from trees

I thought he gave a d@mn

About us all; 'specially Sam

I wish I knew what he did to displease.

He'd play pick up sticks

And teach magic tricks

But then he was gone

Mom said he didn't belong

For reasons even God couldn't fix

Like Bear, our Maine coon

Who yowls at the moon

And in the blink of eye

Makes living things die

Bobby created this emotional typhoon

I remember his eyes

Whenever Mom cries

I really felt that they fit

But without warning he split

When Bobby left I just thought I would die.