SisterMemories

SISTER MEMORIES
A Poem By Sybil Vaughn October 27, 2005

A sister in the official definition of the word is another female other than me,
Having one or both of the same parents, an important part of a family tree.
Most sisters are somewhat close in age so they most often grow up together
They may fight and play and form bonds woven so tightly as with a tether.

At other times, some parents may start having children while they are young;
Then later in life they may decide they need another offspring, as a song sung
Not quite to completion for it needs more design to make it total and refined,
Or a long construction project when all work is done and the contract signed.

My family falls into the later category, we two girls were born some years apart,
Almost in a different generation, but we too had a close union of heart to heart.
Sister made her appearance not long after our brother; I wonder if she resented
Giving up her position as the youngest child, but if so, she long ago repented.

Since she was the oldest daughter, my sister received our mother’s middle name;
I was not named after any family member at all, making me feel somewhat lame.
Her first name is Lois, a Biblical name; I think she was a good daughter but I
Was the rebellious one, causing our mother a great deal about which to sigh.

I have no memories of our brother with us at all, but do recall a few incidents
With Lois around as a young girl during my very early years in diverse events.
There was a name she called me that I remember well; I’m sure I don’t know
What she meant when she called me “brat.” Maybe true feelings didn’t show.

Her husband told me many times that when he came to visit he wasn’t sure
Who he came to see because I greeted him with excitement and cute baby lure.
I do remember some of the girl friends who came to our house to hang out
And how Mom at bedtime passed me around to them for hugs so I didn’t pout.

Sometimes Mom would ask Lois to baby-sit; I always looked forward to the fun
As she took me with her to a friend’s house who kept a girl my age; we could run
And play different activities to enjoy, maybe a walk to the neighborhood park.
These were magnificent times that made me wonderfully happy and free as a lark.

When I was five, Mama said that Lois was leaving, that she would soon be married.
I didn’t have the slightest clue what that meant so I think I became quite worried.
I was trying to understand when I tried posing a question to our Mom asking if she
Was married. She said “yes,” and I was glad even though I still did not grasp or see.

More years passed, my sister left, and memories of her being home became paler.
There was another person in our family, the one who came when I was a toddler.
A little later she bore girls of her own, it seemed strange, nieces not much younger
Plus nephews from our brother who visited often so for company I did not hunger.

Many years since, we both grew older and our lives have brought so many changes.
We stay in touch but see each other rarely for we are separated by mountain ranges.
Our children have grown and their own offspring; most people Lois’ age have retired.
She is yet going strong; her job keeps her busy and gets her out so she isn’t bored.

As Lois’ birthday on November 4 comes near, I wish her continued health and happiness
And the ability to stay strong and keep doing whatever she feels she would like to address.
She is very smart and a talented musician, age has not diminished these; also to her acclaim,
Her two exceptional daughters and her three special grandchildren give her a claim to fame.

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