Ruby
wardrobe change
bare feet, something sparkly
hi, Daffodil!
kisses and hugs, always
tall, green grass
frames my small, bright girl
her name means inextinguishable flame
vibrant, passionate, protective
shhh shhh shhh shhh
pressing her cheek to Daffodil’s
hair falling into the chick,
into the light
into my heart
I got you, honey, she coos. Mama’s here.
Margot
chipped blue nail polish
thick palm callouses
practical, stretchy clothes
because she likes to run fast
because she like to be upside down
hanging, bending
flipping, swinging
if I squint and blur her silhouette,
I see a young, strong woman
confident and content
tongue pressed to freckled cheek
hair wild, an accessory to speed
watch this mama!
Together
she reads her books and ties her shoes
she combs her hair and buttons her dress
hits and then holding hands
annoyance and then acceptance
they bring out the best in each other;
they bring out each other’s truest selves
like dandelion tufts
there and then somewhere else
roots remain
sisters
