Billie Jean Verdi, appearing pro se, appeals the district court’s dismissal of her 42 U.S.C. § 1983 complaint, in which she sought to obtain records and other relief relating to the 1985 death of her son, Danny Lynn Verdi. Verdi’s brief fails to address the basis for the district court’s dismissal of her suit, which was want of prosecution based on her failure to pay the filing fee as ordered. Her brief addresses only the merits of her various claims and seeks various forms of relief from this court. Accordingly, she has abandoned the only ground for appeal. See Yohey v. Collins, 985 F.2d 222, 224-25 (5th Cir. 1993); Brinkmann v. Abner, 813 F.2d 744, 748 (5th Cir. 1987). Although pro se briefs are afforded a liberal construction, even pro se litigants must brief arguments in order to preserve them. See Yohey, 985 F.2d at 225. Given her failure to brief the basis of the district court’s ruling, we dismiss the appeal as frivolous. See Howard v. King, 707 F.2d 215, 220 (5th Cir. 1983); 5th Cir. R. 42.2.

Verdi’s motion for appointment of counsel, motion for immediate court order seeking return of certain records, and motion for emergency court order, are denied as moot.

APPEAL DISMISSED; MOTIONS DENIED.