The Big One Eight

today, sister, you are an adult among the hurried ones in suits attention cast to watches and briefcases. today, sister, i cannot look upon the numeral of your age without the feeling i have missed something. today, sister, it is not just a birthday. the whole house has fogged up with unknown feelings. today, sister, my throat is dry when i try to show my joy of this day when you were born. today, sister, perhaps it is i who simply cannot fathom that you are the child i grew up with no longer.