Sister

Sister


When you said I'll cure you

I believed I trusted you

Who wouldn't want to be cured of pissing the bed

of waking a-shiver and stink



Wait 'til they're gone

You reassured me

I agreed I needed you

While I played we waited quiet

mom and dad dressed

mom and dad left you in charge



While I played skiprope

And you sang

You reassured me

You smiled sweet

Then helped peel away my dress

all of it comes off

all the bad stuff washed away



But that tub was full of ice

I cried please

I reached upward

And you were so determined

your eyes clouded your lips thin

frozen heart



I hardly ever blame you

You did your best

You reassured me

But now and then I remember

how your arms held mine under

my breathlessness