My sister, Helen, and I were so different yet we were closest to one another.

Do you remember rocking on the front porch
skipping jump rope, too
I was not a perfect child
my mud pies came out flat
I didn't try to outsmart folks; it was plain curiosity
I'm sorry if I hurt you; we're sisters!
We grew up together before we grew apart
Remember gliding on one skate
Riding bikes and dressing dogs?
We're sisters
We quarreled but we made up
Before we grew apart
Remember all those tears we shared
After Dad and then Mom died?
We're sisters . . . and sisters never, ever walk alone
Do you remember nights of shivering
when we cuddled in one room
and had one meal a day
Mom fed the coal stove's belly
wearing clothes covered with
soot; that was the world we knew
I haven't forgotten we're sisters
We grew up together before we grew apart
Remember gliding on one skate
Riding bikes and dressing dogs?
We're sisters
We quarreled but we made up
Before we grew apart
Remember all those tears we shared
After Dad and then Mom died?
We're sisters . . . and sisters never, ever walk alone
Remember after Daddy died
or when Momma passed away
though we vowed to stay
together
we each went a different way
and our paths never seemed to cross; I ache to see your face
You have a special place; we're sisters
We grew up together before we grew apart
Remember gliding on one skate
Riding bikes and dressing dogs?
We're sisters
We quarreled but we made up
Before we grew apart
Remember all those tears we shared
After Dad and then Mom died?
We're sisters . . . and sisters never, ever walk alone