the R lot

Within the first years of marriage,
a constant honeymoon,
they wished to extend themselves
and, not a moment too soon,
she arrived in the month of peak sun
a literal bundle of joy
their very first one.

Born in the summer, she was
as sweet and cute as a child could be,
she didn't cry when she awoke,
fussed only when absolutely necessary.
She was the pride of her parents
and carried the stamp
of an aunt who wanted to love her
but never got the chance.
Alone, but not for long, she became
the big sister of a baby clothed blue.
In the month of Easter, now there were two.

Her little 'titta-brodda'
was a big-headed one,
but for excellent reason:
he proved a very clever son.
while still in his crib
he demonstrated stealth,
and, pretending to be sleeping,
knocked blocks on his sister's head.
The source of much laughter
and stories retold,
they were peas in a pod
when, at four and two years old,
during the season of rain and threats of the sea,
came a tiny addition. Now there were three.

With a descriptive vocabulary
lacking 'cute' if given a choice,
she made up for small body
with an everlasting voice.
Unlike her sister, who
hardly cried at all,
she had to be held
for her wailing to stall.
The youngest and smallest
she was often used to gain
all the goodies for the rest
from a dad who would not refrain,
because he was usually
fast asleep when he consented:
his consistent 'mhmm' taken for 'yes',
whether or not he meant it.

The three of them,
each two years apart,
fought, played, and grew steadily bonded
to each other's heart.
Yes, there were fights
between sisters that led
to screams in the corridors
and things flying overhead.
Of course the youngest was picked on
till she usually cried,
and her brother felt sorry for her
and finally took her side.
But they had fun in their youth
running up and down the stairs
riding their bikes in formation,
playing games in pairs.
The neighbours, their other
brothers, but not by blood,
would often join in, making
them even, instead of odd.
Then, when they thought they'd stay odd for sure,
came a pleasant surprise. Now there were four.

Born in the month
beginning with 'S'
she was by far the most Special
of all the rest.
Ten years trailing
her nearest sister,
she was showered with love,
always the centre.
Especially since
they had long grown out
the games she would play
and what she'd talk about,
they made sure that she
always felt included,
not that they needed it,
she was already firmly rooted.

And there you have it,
the first is Rusheyne,
the eldest sister,
followed by Romain,
the only boy standing
in the R lot,
and Racquel, the last
and most precious we've got.
The only one missing is that crying number three,
and, if you haven't guessed it, that R is me.

Happy Birthday Racquel!