To Be the Oldest Sister/Daughter

(Belated) Happy Birthday, Emily 💝🙏🙏

Because it's never really 'belated' to celebrate those we love!

We finally had a chance to celebrate our oldest daughter's birthday, 

on Sat. evening two weeks after the official date! 

This poem was written for her and for 

my oldest sister who turned 60 a week ago!

We who are blessed to have an older sister to follow

 can easily take a lot for granted!! 

We also had an opportunity to try out Jim's/Grandpa's birthday present from his grandchildren;

an oldie game, croquet! lots of laughter from all 

(except the two year old who was soon comforted with a swing ride)

To be the oldest sister bears a charge she does not choose

Of feet anointed with a fine pair of trailblazer-shoes

The familial ground-breaker, whereby younger sisters gauge

Unspoken preparation for wars time and nature wage

The oldest sister shoulders an unalterable yoke

While younger sisters walk on luxury of ground she broke

Keeping a wary watch for firsts that steadfastly commence

Where time insists on countless reluctant relinquishments

Mother's first little helper and daddy's second sweetheart

First to test many waters that life is bound to impart

First scholar, first teenager, first to leave the nest called 'home'

First to face every new season of what is yet to come

To be the oldest sister, is to first weather the tide

That wakens her to winds of change, with gaze, less starry-eyed 

Than once-upon-more-youthful-years, soon strewn upon a wake 

That each sister behind her, Lord-willing, is bound to take 

God bless you, Oldest Sister/daughter, may His hope keep joy unfazed 

And grant you faith and courage where new trails wait to be blazed

Ere younger sisters follow where once first your footsteps fell 

God bless and keep you as you step into a new year's swell

© Janet Martin