Last week I drove to Seneca Falls, NY to spend time with my three sisters. What a gift! I’ve been writing a lot about them and our trip since my return. I could go on and on about what a wonderful time we had together, and about how much I miss them now that we’ve parted. This morning I wanted to write a slice about our time together, but I couldn’t figure out what to focus on.
While I was waiting for SOL inspiration to strike, Margaret Simon’s slice arrived in my Inbox. She shared her puppy-centered response to this morning’s Ethical ELA prompt. That prompt suggested using “The Important Book” by Margaret Wise Brown as a mentor for a poem. I, too, had written a response to that prompt this morning, but mine had focused on my sisters. Somehow, it had never occurred to me to share that poem as my slice today. Thanks for the idea, Margaret!
The important thing about sisters
is that they are always there for you.
They love you despite your faults,
and maybe even because of them.
They share your memories–
and sometimes augment or correct them.
They connect you to past and future.
They speak the family shorthand fluently
with a gesture
or a glance.
They are companions and confidants.
But the most important thing about sisters
is that they are always there for you.
©Molly Hogan
Nix the comfort zone 
I love how this form was just right for you to write about your sisters. There is so much to love in your poem. I feel that “family shorthand” with my siblings. Sometimes we can’t stop laughing. I think we are both blessed with sisters who will always be there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again for the inspiration! Your comment reminds me that I should have mentioned sharing both tears and laughter in my poem. Sisters are a gift!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Molly, this is interesting. I also wrote about sisters for the Ethical ELA prompt today. I agree that spending time with your sisters is a ‘gift’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a coincidence! That prompt works well with so many topics, doesn’t it? This was the first time we’ve had a sisters’ getaway, but it won’t be the last!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just searched out your shared poem on Ethical ELA (I use the prompts in my notebook, but have yet to share at the site, so hadn’t read other poems.) I love your take on sisters, and that you included laughing and crying together. I especially like the idea of sisters being “second mothers” to your children. That isn’t true in my case as we live quite far apart from each other, but what a gift when it is!
LikeLike
I love your post! I especially appreciated this part: They share your memories–
and sometimes augment or correct them.
They connect you to past and future.
I only have one sister, and she is very precious to me for the reasons you wrote about. I appreciated this reminder!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve come to appreciate my sisters so much more in recent years!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, how I love this poem! All of it. But these lines are my favorite:
They speak the family shorthand fluently
with a gesture
or a glance.
Sisters. What a gift!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe I should have added eye rolls to the family lexicon? lol
LikeLike
Molly, what a great topic. I was going to mention Juliette’s poem at Ethical ELA, but I see she came and told you herself. I enjoyed reading hers and yours. I had four sisters to start with, and now just two. I’m sure we will always enjoy every moment we get with them. Here are two of my favorite lines in your poem:
LikeLiked by 2 people
This book is such a wonderful mentor, and with sisters on my mind after a recent trip, it fell into place perfectly for me. I’m so sorry about the loss of your sisters and wish you the comfort of memories and time with your other two sisters.
LikeLike
I love this prompt (bookmarking to remember to use at some point!), and as an only child, I am always fascinated to read about sibling bonds. It sounds like your time with your sisters was full of joy.
LikeLike
MBH! You are indeed a lucky woman, for many reasons, but having such sibs is near the top of the list. Love this line “They speak the family shorthand fluently” You all are bi- maybe tri-lingual!
LikeLike