Jim takes good care of our house
While we are away for months on end
Glad to be able to help us out
Tending to our many house plants
There are thirty-five each with instructions
No simple task that takes time to complete
Negotiating cactus barbs and high hanging pots
Feeling the soil to adjust the watering amount
Bringing in the mail and checking for importance
Calling in reports if there's anything of note
Cheerfully contending with winter there
We would be at a loss without him doing this
When it snowed he shoveled the walk and driveway
Doing what a house sitter would do
But he has his own place and only drops by
Leaving as soon as these chores are complete
Jim is a good friend and I try to reciprocate
Doing it in the only way that I can
Being someone who cares for him to talk to
Finding information when there's a question
We don't always agree on everything
But we share the same world view
And we know we can depend on each other
Because we are brothers by choice
