We were never bound by family ties,

No matching names, no common skies 

Yet side-by-side through storm and sun,

We grew into something stronger than one.

Mud-stained shoes and laughing breath,

Racing time and daring death,

Skinned-knees, scraped palms, fearless hearts,

Learning courage in broken parts.

We shared small secrets after dark,

Dreams lit quietly like sparks,

Plans too big for our small town streets,

Promises sealed where the pavement meets.

We spoke in nods instead of words,

Loud in silence, soft unheard 

Because boys are taught to never cry,

So we held our tears inside.

But friendship is a gentle thing,

A steady hand, a lifted wing 

When the world grew loud and days felt cold,

We stayed  we didn’t fold.

We learned that strength is not a wall,

Not standing tall  but not letting each other fall.

Not laughter only  but staying near,

In every doubt, in every fear.

Years may scatter where our paths will go,

Through shifting lights and unknown roads 

Yet if life calls us miles apart,

Your name still echoes in my heart.

For we are brothers not by blood,

But by every trial we’ve withstood.

And no matter where the seasons send,

A boyhood brother is a lifelong friend.