This poem was written by Gaines' mom, Mary Whitington, before Gaines passed away - as a tribute to his yearbook quote "Never lost to a Brother in a fight."
"never lost to a brother in a fight"
time cries for us both,
coming of age in your manhood.
claiming your book, your legacy.
my boy child,
it is easy to be your mother.
my sweetest destiny
reaching with supple cheeks,
clinging
to my knee.
teaching each other
from finger grasp to firm hand.
time comes to pat you away,
soar little bird, fly.
our lips are bound forever
in years without kisses,
waiting for you to land.
owls follow wise in your lead.
a gentile man
looks down to thank me,
rough cheeked
and commanding,
a man of many brothers.
claiming all seasons
with your wishes,
today another seam was bound,
stitching time with our kisses.