All that Remains

Of Big Sisters and Children

My younger sibling is the child-like wonder in all of our eyes

Until that moment fades away

Something that we will always miss

But think it for the best

Because who can hurt you when you don't wish to learn more?

Who can cause you pain

When you know none smart enough to?

No one, that's who

A delicate flower, as my grandma would say

Beautiful when taken care of

Easily wilted with too much of anything

Too much love, or not enough

These as such need to be taken careful care of

To grow, to change, to prosper

To be the one they always wanted to be

Beautiful, light and vibrant; alive

But how much would it take for them

To go from a gorgeous flower to a wilted mass of petals

To say that they don't want to be alive?

Not anymore, at least

They've threatened with it once before

Luckily, it never came to pass

Even after others did

This colorful flower stood strong

And so they live in our garden community

Careful with them, they're delicate

'Take your sister's hand, young one'

And hold tight to me. I won't let go.

So how did this come to be?

A paper-skinned girl grasping at the flower child gently

Not wanting to rip the pretty petals that adorn their face

Or the swirling of colors within

I'll tell you this story, abridged version, in fact

Of the tale how a flower and a destructive

Burning, flying ashen girl

Had a sibling so soft and true

But that is for another time

So for now, I bade you adieu

Just ask yourself 'what would I do?'

If this child flower was you?