To an Older Sister
~ for Sheila ~
You were a hesitant pathfinder but still you guided me
and made rebellion easy for this disregarded child.
You'd bring me up to London, feed me eggs on toast.
You introduced me to the gods, to players, parks and poets.
Off stage you sang so sweetly, sang so small. Too easily hurt,
I couldn't bear it for you, wanted you only to laugh and dance.
You had the bluest eyes, a supple waist, small crooked teeth
that gave me hope I would one day be prettier than you.
Weekends, I'd raid your wardrobe, smear your shadow on my lids,
sit patiently beneath the comb as you braided my hair.
You had choices you were ready to make, being four years older.
Why did you marry across an ocean? My resentment made it an abyss.
Then I found purpose strong enough to defeat the miles, and being poor
I flew to my sister, my friend. Since then our paths have twined together.
Jenny Argante
posted by Jenny Argante @ 7:07 PM
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