Two Brothers and a Sister

I love you, Big Brother, for teaching me each agile thing,
like standing on my head when all the world is upside down;
for demonstrating how to swing alongside branches
of the willow tree,
when dirt paths are a mess
and stormy waters swirl 'round roots;
for showing me the easy way to tie my boots.

Thank you for helping me to get back on my bicycle
when I, with bleeding knee, refuse and cry;
for telling me: Forget the pain!
Big girls don't cry ...
Let's try again!

Thank you, Small Brother, for trusting me being
your babysitter, for letting me wear the mother crown:
to wipe your nose, to lift you over fences,
allowing me to carry you on my back,
to take the wrapper off your snack;
for pulling at my dress, overwhelmed by being little;
for letting me hug you and hold your hand, when you feel brittle.

Thank you for looking up at me without a word and smile;
strolling with me; reading stories in my eyes; sitting silently
while I, on all fours, closely
watch a beetle dance, or wait
for fish to take the bait ...

Thank you, Big Brother, for encouraging me
because I am small;
Small Brother, for reminding me
I am tall.