To My Sister Little Nell

A small whine in my ear. “Let me see. What have we here?” A new little monster with a pinched red face; Whose caterwauls usurp my place? “I wish. I wish.” I’d opened wide, My fledgling arms, let go my pride. My favorite dresses, my new toy, My Daddies lap, my mother’s joy; Curly blonde bundle so unlike me; Everything mine was given to she. “Sweet little villain or Little Nell?” “Who was the monster? Only God can tell." So long, it took for love to grow, Between the monsters two egos. “I wish. I wish.” I’d opened wide, My fledgling arms, let go my pride. So long, you snuggled at my side, Looked up to me let meanness slide. So long, we suffered, women we; In a masculine shadow, a manly lea. Monsters two, linked arms and hands, Against the villainous male; we’d stand. Against the NEW pinched-faced wail, The long awaited hierarchical male. “I wish. I wish.” I’d opened wide, My fledgling arms, let go my pride. He took the toys, the time, the rides. He took our parents from our side. And yet, as time and tide did pass; We three did come to see, at last. To wish, to wish and open wide; To let go the anger, let go the pride. To know each monster has it day, And every child a price to pay. And so, each parent’s task is vast; To create a family that will last.