To: Emily

A poem I wrote to my twin sister before she went away to boarding school.

A tiny report card with a doll’s name on top
Signed by you, the teacher.
A bitty green car, its paint chipped from play
That faithfully won every race.
A faded dirt stain on the floor,
Where our muddy shoes had trekked.
A picture so ugly it was beautiful,
The artwork of a child
Smeared handprints across a white canvas
Tiny handprints
Our handprints
Glimpses of our childhood,
Symbols of our play.

The first time I saw you
Was before I could really see
We have been together for my forever
When I was born,
You were, too.
People say I’m lucky
They ask, “Do you like having a twin?”
I smile and say “Sometimes”
Because what I like best is not having a twin
But having a sister and friend

Thank you for being there,
For loving me even when I don’t deserve it
You were born my twin,
But you became my friend.