by Caroline Garlick

Created on: March 12, 2010   Last Updated: November 21, 2011

The first was my carer, being older by ten
The next was my ally, confidante and friend
The third was my rival, since I took her place
As baby of the family, born last in the race.

Father's eyes twinkled beneath fast-receding hair
Four daughters a handful, but his rule always fair
Mother worked hard to keep us safe, clothed and fed
And if something didn't fit, it was handed down instead.

I admired my big sisters, but envied them too
When they could do things I was too young to do
I constantly battled to be as grown-up as they
But could never catch up - even to this day!

We fought and we squabbled and we each took our side
Then swapped our alliances, made friends overnight
Ganged up against one, or tag-teamed in pairs
Trading insults and dead-arms and evil death stares.

As much as we argued, there were many more times
When we shared in a joke and laughed 'til we cried
Bike rides and ball games when the summer time came
Monopoly and card games when outside it rained.

I owe much to my sisters, revere them to the last
Though near thirty years have been and passed
Father and Mother are now Grandad and Gran
As the new generation is born to the clan

Sisters by birth, but friends by decision
We still laugh together, or roll eyes in derision
United by memories and strong to the core
We'll always be sisters, together, we four.

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