Ode to an Older Sibling

Last night I was reorganizing my photos from 2010 and rediscovered this series of photos I took back in August when my brother was here with his family.  I wondered whether it would be appropriate to post it so many months later, but since it's cold and blustery out and some kind of odd white stuff is tumbling from the sky, I think reminiscing on warmer moments is a good thing.

And so I present:

Ode to an Older Sibling

Oh sibling dear, so many times

We wrestled, fought and yelled.

The time you bloodied up my nose

I ran upstairs and told.

You were older and stronger, with far longer arms.

Such a cunning advantage I could not overcome!
Since youth is invincible (or so we are told)
I pressed on with persistence until a battle I'd won.

I was younger and smarter (at least in my mind),

and my quick clever thinking would help me pull through.

In moments of pure and sweet inspiration,

I'd outwit you by using my head.

When that didn't work and frustration crept in,

I'd whip out my cunning advantage.

"Take that, old ribs," I would grunt as I shifted

to pommel your chest with feet.

By now you'd be laughing and I'd be irate.

Persistence, I knew, would help me one day.

Quick thinking reminds me that if you cannot breathe

my chances of winning increase.

Looking back o'er the years, I'm not sure if I won

Though I'm sure we would never agree.

One thing is for sure, though, you cannot deny:

You were sent to your room more than I.

So maybe that's it then - what must get me by -

that the youth in the world are protected.

Behind Mother's skirt I'd triumphantly hide

While she scolded and punished and sent you outside.

Looking back, dear sibling, I'd sure like to say

That we've put all that rivalry to rest.

But... your arms are not longer than mine anymore

so I think I could beat you at last...

One final duel is needed, methinks

to settle this once and for all.

If your old bones are up to the challenge, my friend,

I'll do what I can not to gloat.

And perhaps, when we're done and I've bloodied your nose

(Quite by accident, of course! I'm so sorry!)

I'll get you a bowl of your favourite ice cream

and an icepack to help your poor nose.

Then, as the sun sets and your nose looks more normal,

we'll remember to end with a hug.

And whoever wins will be gracious and kind

Since she's younger and sweeter than you.

Ha!

The end.