Work Text:
Having a little sister is both a blessing and a curse
Some days we were best friends, on others we were something worse
But through it all I knew
that being your older sister
Was something only I could do
So I let you name all the toys, write the storylines of our play
You were the creative director, you knew all the lines to say
I stood behind you when you balanced on top of the kitchen stool
Cooking for us both, though you were only six years old
We were mermaids and dementors, led armies of unicorns and pugs
We built sandcastles and temples, and brewed potions made of muck
Thirteen months between us, yet we told others we were twins
We looked alike and dressed the same, and we both loved to sing
We shared a bed, our toys, our secrets, a hairstyle cut by bowl
And though we didn’t know it yet, it wouldn’t last for long
Where I was shy and quiet, you were adamant and bold
I was blue and silver, and you were pink and gold
Our differences grew as we did, though we didn’t grow apart
Because we were always sisters, joined together from the start
Having a little sister is an adventure on its own
Because you’re always in my heart, even when I’m alone
But through it all you knew
that being my little sister
Was something only you could do
I thought my role as older sister was to keep you safe from harm
Silly me, I should have known you’ve always been more than strong!
Little sister, you are capable, creative, brave, and smart
I see it in your accolades, your daughters, and your art
I think I had it backwards, because over all this time
You became my teacher, showed me how to dance, dress, swing, and climb
I keep thinking that I’ve learned it all, that my lessons from you are over
But no; there’s still resilience, curiosity, candour, and composure
And when you leapt from the tallest rocks into the deep Greek blue
I only jumped because you did; you taught me to be brave like you
So keep teaching, little sister, as I hope you’ll never be done
And I can’t wait to meet you years from now, and learn who you’ll become