Poems
written by Michael

In loving memory to my brother:
Christopher Petaja
12/24/75 – 3/3/19
Brother
We Love you so
My Best Friend
and reference to Life
Your laugher and smile
the sound of our Joy
Your strength, pain, and kindness
beats in our hearts
The lift of your spirit
our beacon thru the Dark
Your truth, life, and wisdom
the understanding of your souls.
Your Brother, Michael
Thanks for the Front Seat
Brother’s Ghost
My Brother’s Ghost moves within my soul
Energy with a life of its own
Marveling with awe the sparkle seen in his child’s eyes
Tenderness towards all he loves
My Brother’s Ghost is my new host
Guiding my thoughts and deeds
My Brother’s Ghost, memories of yesterday
Living, Breathing, my new Being
Crying for that left undone
My Brother’s Ghost, the beat of my drum
A curse or gift, neither true
The Blood in my veins
So much to do
I share my heart with a new found friend
Whose been there all along
Time and space illusorily to my Brother’s Ghost
Words unsaid, finished sentences, fill my voice with ease
His spirit shines forward in my new destiny
Don’t you worry my Greatest Bond
Your understanding isn’t long
Fearless kindness left unnurtured
Precious treasure always protected
I’ll love your children and speak your truth
My Brother’s Ghost Eternal Youth
This reflection in my mirror, nothing left to fear
My Brother’s Ghost very near
We were one, always, forever, this is clear.
Brother’s Ghost Song
Written by Michael Petaja and Jim Bryan
Brother's Ghost Music Video
Little Boy
Lost but not found
Where did you go?
Innocent and Dear with Nothing to fear
Eager to please ready to Give
Please, Please accept me
So that I may live
I’ll give you my heart
Offer my soul
Just don’t reject me, I’ll accept any role
My precious little Boy wasn’t equipped for the ride
Deception, Betrayal and hurt rolled with the tide
I’ll smile, pretend, and not make a Fuss
Every passing year I slowly disappear
Little Boy, Little Boy where did you go?
My heart’s not a toy, despair without Joy.
Papa
Papa, thank you for all you were, are, and always will be
Papa, the way you seen me made my heart light up
Papa, the strength in your embrace made the world feel safe
Papa, your kindness offered me a world of welcome
Papa, your patience gave me a life where it’s ok to be upset
Papa, why did you give me all these gifts of love and treasures of the soul and not offer them to your little boy who lived within
Papa, he needed you too
I would gladly share and give half of it back to him for another day with you, Papa.
Rebirth of Love
Freed from addiction and the misunderstanding of shame
Primitive unconscious programming finally tame
The Rebirth of Love
This subtle shift, open to the world, what a beautiful gift.