"Sister" - 10/20/15

For as long as I can remember
I have looked up to you
Never mind that you are shorter
Or that I am naturally most comfortable
Sitting cross-legged on the floor

What has always impressed me most
Aside from teaching yourself to read at 3
And having a profound gift for not only creating
But maintaining lasting friendships
With the kind of loyalty I may only ever
Admire from a close-distance

Is your laugh. To be able to endure so many
Ups and downs on a daily basis and retain
The sort of easy laughter that's always eluded me
No matter how hard I tried to be someone with your
Unadulterated appreciation for the silly,
The superfluous, ridiculous and joyful

Has been tantamount from my view to
Watching my own flesh and blood
Wield Atlas-worthy burdens with the grace
Of Gelsey Kirkland and the unapologetic
Power of Caribbean-strength sun

When I am around you, there is a kind of
Halo of protection you make with your careful words
Making sure, in your way, that even my own self-doubt
Is not allowed to penetrate the oasis of our circle
When I leave your presence, I leave knowing the meaning
Of what it is to be a complete human being

In every sense of the word "sister"