I had the dimpled cheeks

But I dreamed of being just like my sister

Who admired me

She who brought me sunshine on smiles

Thick hair haloed her angelic face

If you don’t have a loving relationship

What you have is worthless

We are tighter than shoestring knots

“Stop saying what I was thinking,” she whined

She sees Mommie now, mirrored reflections

I walk her journey on legs that cross generations

“Ohhh, I’m so proud of you,” Mommie beamed

Isn’t it incredible how we both became so much like her

Isn’t it incredible that we know truths she never shared

Isn’t it incredible that she knew we would always have each other

Isn’t it incredible that we now hold memories

In safe places like

Within the wrinkles adorning our hands

In the curl of our smiles

In golden nail polish

And in bubbles bouncing through fluted spirits

Tears may still spring out of nowhere

And  hurt runs deep like an oak tree’s roots

But our mother’s love is deeper

It’s the sound of my sister’s song

I see and hear Mommie in her

I believe I gained two for the loss of one

I’m not afraid anymore

Of the loneliness

That grief brought

Because as soon as I think I may be alone

In darkness

Or sadness

Or in the ache of not hearing her voice

I remember that I have my sister

My root holding me steady

My blossoms coloring my face

My song in the wind

Carrying me always.