She Never Left Me Behind

Description of the one who raised me

My childhood memories of my parents,

are of unhappiness with each other

and so they made their escape;

one through work and alcohol

and one, through alcohol alone.

One left early in the morn

and didn't return until the late moon,

the other, rarely,

came out of her room.

I didn't think it strange,

that was normal, you see.

The person I would have missed,

was the girl who raised me.

She answered any questions,

I ever asked about life,

though she wasn't my mother

and she wasn't a wife.

When a horse bruised my foot,

when I had my tonsils out,

when I was delirious with a fever,

she's the one who calmed my shouts.

At an age when teenagers hate

little kids tagging along,

she'd take me with her in the car

and we belted out the radio songs.

On a day spent at the beach,

with a girlfriend or two,

there I would be,

stuck to her like glue.

In all my happy childhood memories,

she is always there.

I never felt alone or lonely,

because my sister, Janie, always cared.

She never made me feel like a pest,

she never left me behind.

To say she wasn't my parent,

you'd have to be quite blind.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A beautiful poem for your sister. I know you miss her. Kids do bond together and create a wall of defense from the world. Thank you for the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you!

[Stephen]

A touching way to speak of a sibling. And to make it last through verse is the best

[Barbara Walker]

Thanks Stephen and now we are helping each other through the loss of my twin. We are on alert for any time now. My heart is so sad...

[Stephen]

May you find peace in all your memories, and may you keep them alive with paper and ink or screen and keyboard. You have a talent to express your feelings, to share them with the world. Keep your head up and don't hide from anything..

[Keith]

Fine tribute to a fantastic sister.

[Diane Lockard]

So fortunate to have her step in and watch over you... I followed my brother around who was two years older, and generally, he would "put up with me." My Mom told me in later years,"I won't have to worry about you, the two of you will always be there for each other... Thank you for "the ties that bind us."

[Craig2591]

Holy crap! Can I relate to this! I have two older brothers that were always there for me when I needed someone. I was very lucky and it sounds like you were, too.

[Barbara Walker]

So you know what I mean! It seems we have more than a few things in common. Perhaps we knew each other in another life?!

[s y e]

This is a lovely tribute, Barbara. A really well written piece, full of love.

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you Noodlehead!

[Sharon L.H. Kelly]

A loving tribute to a wonderful sister. Well done.

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you Sharon!

[Frieda P]

Sounds much like the relationship I had with my little sister Lee, this one touched my heart Barbara.

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you Frieda!

[annabellee]

you're sister must be truly amazing. Such a gorgeous write, emotional and well written. Loved it :)

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you! She is!

[annabellee]

you're most welcome :)

[Dr. Wood ?]

you were oh so lucky Barbara..to have such a diamond of a sister

[Barbara Walker]

Yes, I was, wasn't I? Thank you!