Living in his shadow

I know at times
He does not understand
The hurtful things he says
But, still, I hold his hand
 
His mind begins to drift
Seized by mass confusion
He is no longer able  
To tell reality from illusion
 
The demons start to chase
His broken and tattered soul
I continue to stand with him
But all the while I know
 
To get ready for the onslaught
As he sinks deeper in the black
I brace myself to wait it out
Hoping this time he comes back
 
Back from his silent hell
No one knows what he endures
 Cursed with schizophrenia
And no one knows the cure
 
Other people run and hide
Pretend they do not know
But I run toward my brother
On his dark journey, I will go
 
And help him fight the disease
Guide his way back home
I will never leave him behind
No matter how time will slow
 
And if he returns this time
I will make sure he never knows
The hurtful things he could not help
Only my love for him will show
 
I see it in his eyes
He never has a clue
I only hug him tight and say
My precious brother, I love you
 
I will wait until he is better
Before I search for stillness
To prepare myself for what's next
Living in his shadow of mental illness