Hello fellow poets!

There can be no quibbling that siblings are both a bane and and a blessing! They can be our best friends and our worst enemies. They can be annoyingly difficult as well as adorably lovable. Oft times they are the first bullies we encounter in life. Yet, they also have our backs most of the times. We are happy to see their back at times, at others we are inseparable.

Resentment, rivalry and retribution colour this relationship, just as laughter, love and loyalty.The inside jokes that most siblings share, enliven many a family functions. Shared childhood, shared family and shared memories make this bond unique. Siblings are friends foisted on us but this bond usually lasts a lifetime.

“Siblings: your only enemy you can’t live without.” – Anonymous

My kids born four years apart, share their birthday.  My daughter was ecstatic when we told her, her newborn brother was her birthday gift. For years she would proudly share the fact they were born on the same day. Now when they fight, she says she never asked for him to be her gift. He too resents the fact that we call him, a human being, a gift!!

I would like to share the following poems that showcase this relationship.

One sister I have in our house

And one a hedge away.

There’ only only one recorded.

But both belong to me

(Excerpt from Emily Dickinson’s poem.)

For there is no friend like a sister

In calm or stormy weather;

To cheer one on the tedious way,

To fetch one if one goes astray,

To lift one if one totters down,

To strengthen whilst one stands

(Excerpt from Goblin Market and Other Poems by Christina Rossetti)

I had a little brother

And I brought him to my mother

And I said I want another

Little brother for a change.

(Brother by Mary Ann Hoberman)

Incidentally, in India, today (30th August) we celebrate “Rakshabandhan” which is a celebration of the bond between brother and sister.

So, for today’s Poetics I would like you to show some love to your sibling(s) through poetry. You are free to complain and rant too. If you are an only child, you can write about the sibling you always wanted, you can pay homage to the sibling you lost, you can write a thank you verse that you always wanted to but never found time to…the possibilities are endless. Share with us your thoughts on your sibling(s), let us be a part of your family through your verse.

After you have posted your poem on your blog, please link back to this post and don’t forget Mr. Linky. Stay around, browse poems by fellow poets and most importantly, have fun writing!

*(Borrowed from Erma Bombeck)