Chains

I remember when you used to hold my hands
Like your fingers were chains
I'd have to try and separate them
I laughed, felt no pain
And you'd always win
It was just a silly, childish game

I remember when you grew
Not just with your age
Then you tried to hide
everything you knew
Didn't you think we'd see
Whatever happened to you
Was painful?
We just wanted to know, too

The tension broke the day
I asked you, nagged you
Tried to make you play
And with a smile you gave in
But with the weakness of your hands
You couldn't win
Where had you been
That would make you so weak?

You went away again
And our parents told me
Where you went
I closed my eyes
I'd rather believe
Their old ever-consoling lies
Not prison, please

Brother, let's play
Let's pretend you were never away
And with a gleam in your eye
You take my hands just like old times
Hold them like your fingers are chains
But you don't hear me when I tell you
To let go
And I know you'll never show
From the gleam in your eyes
That weakness again