Christie Wyman’s Poetry Ponderings class began this week. We explored the functional, flexible, and fun list poem. The varieties are endless. My thoughts were drawn to my sisters. Our parents are gone and as we are getting older now, we depend on each other in new ways. We have an older brother, but he has always lived far away. The three of us live within 30 minutes of each other and are very grateful.
A sister can be…
a partner for jumprope
an opponent for games
a cheerleader
a joker at the table
an alto in the choir
an accompanist extraordinaire
a maker of beautiful things
sewn, knitted, or embroidered
a friend
a companion on walks
a sharer of stories
a potato salad making wizard
an appreciator
a “Faithful Fretter” when things are hard
a recommender of books
a constant in times of change
for always
pelicansandprose 
So glad you posted your poem Marilyn. I love both versions of the poem. Makes me think of my brother and me growing up. We are still close but live far away. And currently he is even further because of the military. Very beautiful poem. Love the line “a potato salad making wizard” Thank you for sharing.
You are so blessed to have sisters close to you. I have three daughters who are best friends. It’s the best thing I ever did, give them each other.
As a huge fan of all kinds of lists, I was happy to read your poem here! How lucky you are to have sisters close by. I like the contrast of the first two lines of “partner” and “opponent.” That’s family, all right.
Marilyn, what a beautiful list poem about you and your sweet sisters! The love and compatibility is evident in your list poem. One of my favorite lines: “a ‘Faithful Fretter’ when things are hard” Lovely!
What a lovely celebration of sisters. As someone who has four, I really connected with this.
Beautiful poem, I especially like your three closing lines–and your photo shares such love and warmth, thanks!
Special poem for you & the sisters! I have a brother & a special sister-in-law, though we didn’t jumprope together, they are the constants in my life, along with my daughter & son.
I have a sister too and my granddaughters (4 and 18 months) are loving sisters. Your list poem is a special gift for you sisters. What a wonderful way to describe a sister: “Faithful Fretter” when things are hard.