so slight as a child.
big blue bright eyes,
golden curly locks of hair.
you followed me everywhere.

we made forts in the tall grass.
hid out in the morning glories
on the edge of the wood
and laughed when we could.

we danced on the picnic table
funny songs that made no sense.
chased the frogs, ran from the snakes
rode a bike that had no brakes.

the farmer next door was patient with us.
his big old work horse with the blinders,
just kept on plowing
allowing

us to try and distract him from his work.
it was I who told you there was no Santa Claus.
tied a string to your first "loose" tooth and slammed the door
I think you were four.

oh, my little sister, Susie
so slight as a child
big bright blue eyes, golden curly locks of hair,
you followed me everywhere.

08/19/2004