Maryllises's "Brothers" is a simple, warm poem about the love a speaker feels for a brother who visits rather than lives close by. The poem suggests this from the lines about him coming and leaving, and about the weekends when he doesn't turn up. His arrival brings excitement, and his departure brings tears. Even his smile is special: it's "like a rainbow, even though there might be no rain," a lovely image for joy that shows up without any reason.
The speaker's feelings are steady and sincere. They repeat "I love my brother" almost like a promise, and even when he misses a weekend or two, the love doesn't change: "I love him all the same." The short, plain lines sound like someone speaking honestly rather than trying to impress. Near the end, the speaker says brothers can make you smile, cry and laugh, which sums up how mixed family feelings can be. The mood is tender, affectionate and a little bittersweet, but mostly happy.