Ishika Kalai
The Day My Brother Was Born
I remember,
Vividly,
The day my brother drew his first breath;
The day, forever etched into my soul.
I remember,
I was six and not very wise,
Gap-toothed and wide-eyed,
I begged my Ma
To bless me with a sister,
For I thought boys and brothers were hateful creatures.
I remember,
Being led into the hospital room.
Holding my Papa’s hand,
With pattering footsteps and hushed giggles.
I remember,
Bouncing on the balls of my feet
And quietly asking,” Where is my sister?”.
My parents exchange awkward glances.
My Papa says,” You have a brother now”.
My world shatters.
I remember,
Peering into the cradle
Beside my Mother’s bedside
With a wobbling chin and teary eyes.
I remember,
Gazing upon,
The little gremlin,
Who had a wrinkled and red face.
And thinking to myself,
“He looks quite ugly,”.
I remember,
When he finally opens,
His brown, brown eyes
And oh. Oh.
I remember,
Falling in love
The day my brother was born.