To Janie

A prose poem I wrote for my sister, Janie, for Christmas 2004

On the first Christmas,

three men, wise and bold,

traveled to Bethlehem bearing gifts,

of frankinscense, myrrh and gold.

 

On this Christmas, many years later,

I have much to be thankful for-

my own little home, my family, my friends

and my grandchildren, but

I want to write of my sister, Janie,

who I miss and adore.

 

She has bestowed upon me

the everlasting gift

of happy childhood memories,

that I can look back on when I need a lift

from blue, dreary days.

 

I can think back on exciting Sunday drives,

the day stretching out before us,

as long as the road we were traveling on.

The sun would be bright and warm,

with the wind blowing our hair,

as we all had our windows down.

 

The radio would be blasting all the popular songs

and we all sang along.

I can laugh, as my mind's eye,

conjures up the spectacle,

of me holding on for dear life,

as we galloped across the corral,

where she kept her horse.

 

And the time her horse stepped on my foot,

turning it black and blue,

and she let me stay home from school.

I can even laugh that she didn't know

giving orange juice to someone

who just had their tonsil's out,

would burn like hell!

 

There was the time I was thirteen

and thought I knew all about boys

and she extricated me out of

a dangerous situation.

When she saw how scared I'd been,

she didn't even lecture.

 

All the many, many trips to the beach,

riding the ferry, body surfing the waves,

eating tuna fish sandwiches,

with frito's on the side, of course!

Then she'd look at her watch,

sure to get us home in time for Mickey Mouse Club-

our heroes Annette, Spin and Marty.

 

When she married at 18 and moved out of the house,

it put a big hole in my life and heart

But over the years, we've remained close.

I can talk to her about anything, she listens, 

she never judges.

 

She has the greatest sense of humor,

when we're together,

there's always much laughter-

I think we can be heard for miles around!

When I get a chance to visit her,

it truly warms my heart and soul.

It may sound corny,

but when I'm feeling empty,

she makes me feel full.

 

This Christmas,

money is tight all around,

so this is my gift to her.

All year long, she gives of herself,

as my sister

and not only that,

she's my friend.

12/25/04

 

 

Reviews

[bluessadmood]

thats so kind and beautiful tribute to a lovely sister as you picture her i am sure she is a great person,yes brothers and sisters are great support ,they stand ready always as in time of need ,yes these are great emotions you show here ,i am sure if she reads this she will be so happy to know that you appreciate your being there all the time ,i will tell you i was really impressed by your love to her ,i am sure she is a great person and that you too is a very special woman because you are kind and appreciate her favors to you through all times...

[Samuel Dickens]

A heart warming and sensitive ode to your beloved sister. May the two of you always be close. Mmmm, tuna sandwiches and Fritos---my favorite!

[lori c]

anyone who has a sister may wish they could sing her praises as you sing of yours. but alas, some of us were not so blessed. i surely hope janie enjoyed this marvelous tribute to her love and care for you. she sounds like the big sister everyone needs at some point in their lives. how blessed you two truly are.

[Kaleidoscope Apocalypse]

Wow, this is a wonderful piece of poetry. I can only say that I wish my older sister and I had a relationship like yours. You speak of her with such love and adoration, it's so obvious how you feel but you say it beautifully. Again, this is a wonderful piece! I think you've done great with it!

[Flow]

This is a wonderful tribute I was never blessed with brothers or sisters as I was the only child. You have spoken of your sister before she seems to be a fantastic person and I am glad you two are sisters because she gives you so much joy!