The time was never mine
I know that now.

In the backseat of your blue Escape,
strawberry stains on my teeth.

I want for little
but it is human nature to desire what we can not have.

All we have left
Is quiet moments on the way to work.

I am neither parent nor child
but a third thing
sister.  

Fourteen years too old to fight back
to cry out.

Swallow your needs
Swallow your pride.

And be a good big sister
the daughter you need.