On the way to smiling

\\

I remember

when Father died, you were 13

the first thing you asked was if you would ever

see your sisters and brothers again.

we were five and you were just one, an only child.

I don't think that question even crossed my mind

but I'm glad it crossed yours, you could remind me

so you would

find your way back to smiling after that loss.

and here we are again, some 27 years later

and you have smiled your way in life,

with two beautiful children, yes, a few bumps

but look at me, your sister,

still smiling.