Wednesday, May 03, 2023

MY SISTER

by MJ Parker


Detail of art print by claudiatremblay.


my sister has one of the most dangerous jobs in america.
my sister likes the color blue, and her eyes are as green as emeralds.
my sister reads a new book every week.
my sister takes pictures of butterflies in our yard.
my sister fosters dogs.
my sister sings too loud when she drives.
my sister loves taylor swift.
my sister is my favorite person on this planet.
and every day—
i worry she will not come home.

my sister is a gentle soul.
my sister loves pasta.
my sister graduated with a 4.0.
my sister has crystals on her shelf in her room.
my sister’s hair is honey blonde.
my sister has wrinkles by her eyes when she smiles.
my sister is the most compassionate person i know.
and every day—
i worry she will not come home.

my sister puts her life at risk, or at least she does here, in america.
my sister is a wonderful pre-k teacher. 


Editor's note: Yesterday, May 2, was National (U. S.) Teacher Appreciation Day.


MJ Parker is a twenty-two year old poet from North Texas. She specializes in poetry about current events in America, feminism, and environmentalism.