~
You know that term ‘bro’.
People use it when calling their brothers, cousins, close friends,
sometimes even random strangers in the street, coffee shops, airports.
Hey bro.
Brother.
I get to be called ‘bro’ a lot.
It doesn’t matter when or who does it
I automatically have a slight discomfort in my stomach.
A pinch in the belly.
Not necessarily negative one, just a strange feeling.
That’s something I can’t help but feel.
I keep quiet, don’t tell them of my mild soul ache.
My surroundings don’t know this so they keep doing it.
Those emotions are not visible to them.
I’ve never called anybody that,
I’ve never said bro to someone.
Can’t reply the same way,
I can’t utter those words.
Just can’t.
That’s just a phrase or common greeting but for me it’s more than that,
it’s a privilege reserved for someone who will never call me that.
Ever again.
Bro.
~
Džemil Hodžić, October 2019
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