Somehow it’s my sister’s birthday today
I was 12 when she was born
My parents waited to tell me my mom was in labor
So I could go to school for
Whatever standardized test was happening in Pennsylvania
34 years ago

Words cannot describe how excited I was to finally
Have a sibling
I handed out big sister purple pencils instead of cigars
I was obviously a very cool seventh grader
(My perm sealed the deal.)
But the actual coolest thing was my baby sister.
And my sister is
Actually still
The coolest
For real
I mean, have you talked to her?
Have you seen her art?

See this favorite family picture
It’s one of my favs, I’m sure you can see why
Notice please-
Her bangs and smile
Her dress with the white lace collar
My dark teenage eyes, somehow perfect hair
The cool shirt I vaguely remember and now suddenly miss
The way my mom casually holds my sister
My dad’s small smile and his sweater
(My parents here about my age now)
Don’t miss
The toucan behind us!