Little Sister Poem by Sue Stone

Little Sister (for Jude)

I remember
when you were two.
Me, at seven,
with things to do.

As I skipped out,
you'd hold your arms,
beseeching me
with outstretched palms

And all the while
I'm torn in two
The guilty act
Of leaving you

Sweet rompers white,
Wet toothy smile
I'd oft relent
And stay awhile

Soft peach kissed cheeks
With blue eyes wide
That melt my heart;
a' soft aside

You're thirty eight
I'm forty three.
You tell me that
you envy me

Ahead of you,
Or so it seems,
in years, careers,
but not in dreams.

I speak my mind
No prisoners take
Few fair friends my
acquaintance make.

From where I stand
It's plain to see
your sweetness sets
apart from me.

When my heart
Is low and weak
It's always you.
Your sense I seek

History changes
nought you know.
as I still find
it hard to go.

Exchange of glance,
From one to t'other
Marks you, as
The better mother.

Your nature basks
in sweeter climes
than I aspire
to reach for mine.