I remember holding you for the first time
Your little body felt so small against mine
I was only five years old, but I already knew
I'd go to the ends of the earth for you

Cousins by blood, but siblings by choice
We made each other cry, but also rejoice
Time passed, and you were a tiny little girl
I was a tween ready to give life a whirl

We fought like wildcats, day after day
But I guess we just bonded that way
Years passed, I was stubborn as a mule
I remember the day you started school

My 12th birthday, your brother was born
I recall holding you in the maternity ward
You were dancing around the elevator
Saying I could do anything, I was half teenager

Then when I was 13 and you were eight
We faced the challenge of our lives to date
Grandpa had cancer, and it wasn't good
He pulled through, like we prayed he would

Time passed, and while some would think
We'd grow apart, we didn't for half a wink
I just turned seventeen, and three days later
Your 12th has got me on memory's elevator

It seems impossible, that sweet baby girl I held
Is the girl you now are with the power you weld
You're beautiful, I still think from Heaven you fell
You're my adopted little sister, my sweet Angel


© Shelby Pryor