I first met the poet Douglas Rothschild in September 2016 at The Excelsior Pub in Albany. I told a story that included my mother and brother. Douglas decided to make conversation by doubting the existence of my brother, requesting proof of his existence. I did what came naturally to me, and called my younger brother on the telephone, and put him on the phone with Douglas. It was the beginning of a great friendship.

Now, two and a half year’s later, Douglas is hosting me to read at the very same Excelsior Pub. In the text I’ll read today, I speak about my older brother, the one that I can not call on the telephone, carried off by police.

I’ve been wanting to share my brother’s voice with the audience, and found this recording, which I just posted to Soundcloud. Take a listen!