I never got Anything for Free

I want to know why 

when my brother came home one day 

with a broken leg, 

he was told to 

walk it off.

To take a concrete pill 

and harden up.

And when he couldn’t 

run, 

jump 

or play like he used to

they said
I may not be

a double amputee 

but nothing 

was ever given to me 

for free. 

And when I asked them

what that meant, 

they replied,

I had to learn 

to run by myself.

Why should I now help 

those that cannot help themselves?

But elephants dress the wounds of other elephants.

Birds take turns leading the flock to warmer weather. 

Even killer whales share their catch to ensure everyone has enough.

And so I’m still left 

to wonder why

when my brother came home one day 

with a broken leg, 

he was told to 

walk it off.