Between me and the world,
my sister has always been
safe bedrock in a sinking marsh.
She is a straw hat against noon glare,
a melody bludgeoning night gloom.
Between me and my doubts,
my sister is a shore
that breaks tides apart.
Her cathedral bells ring
day in and out.
Between me and my mother,
my sister is cristallo.
She can see both sides
and remain lovely and unbroken
to each.
Between me and my impatient heart,
my sister navigates breakwaters
with steady hands.
So what if I
have stolen from my sister
a thing she precious desires to keep—
her chance to become a bride?