Those 70ish Girls

It’s my brother’s birthday today, so I decided to write a little poem to highlight some of my most poignant memories of growing up with him.

There are two sides to every story

Mom said, “Come sit in the rocking chair and you can rock the baby there.”

She said he sat and didn’t speak. A tear rolled down his little cheek.

Billy loved his little sister, held her tight and even kissed her.

Mom said, “Your sister will soon be awake. Rock her please, I need a break.”

The baby cried and so did Billy. Together they were oh so shrilly.

He held her tight but didn’t kiss her. If she left, he wouldn’t miss her.

Later…

He said,” Mom I’ll watch her if you wish. I’ll stay home instead of fish.

The guys can all come over here. We’ll play cards so we can see her.

She’ll play with toys and have some fun. She won’t bother anyone.”

“Really Mom? I was wishing the guys and I could all go fishing.

Now I guess I’ll have to stay and take care of Mary for the day.”

We tried to play poker at the table. Unfortunately we weren’t able.

She walked around with dirty diapers. Those guys were a bunch of gripers.

They all left and wouldn’t you know it. Billy had a straight and couldn’t show it.

He said, “On the way to school, after dinner, We’ll race to see who’ll be the winner.

 “I promise I won’t run too fast. I bet some days you’ll run right passed.”

I ran as fast as my legs could. Someday I’d win! I knew I would.

But as I got close to the finish line. He’d speed up to pass me just in time.

His senior year I patiently waited for the day he graduated.

I knew that it would seem that Billy couldn’t be that mean.

Yes, when the race was almost over, I’d catch up and he’d move over.

I would win after four long years of never hearing a winner’s cheers.

He just could not give in. He couldn’t slow down and let me win.

When he left he kissed my cheek, I didn’t wash it for a week.

Happy Birthday to the best brother anyone could ever have…I love you!

 

 

 

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