A couple of poems

 REAL

One has blue eyes, the others brown

People stare and say,

"They aren't real siblings, are they now?"

I wince and look away.

What is real?  What do I say to a person

Who doesn't really know

That love exists beyond blood and eyes

And genes that hide below?

Does the older one worry when the younger may fall 

down the steps as she scoots right along?

Does she offer her hand and share kind, loving words

and apologize when she caused a wrong?

Does the blue eyed sneak into her brother's room

thinking, "He looks nothing like me!"

Or does she sing him a song and give him a kiss

as he gazes at her lovingly?

Does the only boy amongst all the girls in this house
treat them with kindness, always lending a hand?
Or does he stand in front of the TV screen
like only a brother can?

Does the second one give up all her hard earned sweets

to the little ones who ask without thought?

Does she take blame for the brother who's been scolded enough

and take punishments undeserving a lot?

Strangers don't do such kindness, not even a friend

but family responds this right way.

Don't tell me they're not real, that I'm not their mom, 

Just smile, stare, and then walk away.

PS: Claire has been taught NOT to take blame for her brother anymore.... ;)

BY: ME

Based on my experience when visiting my hometown last summer:

One of Those

"My niece has one of those," she says with a smile

As we both push our shopping carts down the aisle.

"My battered old purse?" is all I can think, 

"No, the boy", she says quickly and smiles with a wink.

My son? a THING? oh what do I say

I'm searching for words... what a long, long delay

"Yes, she's got a boy, I'd say that he's two

I thought only little girls came from China, who knew?

Oh he's so cute and lucky this one!

Look how he stares at you sucking his thumb!"

That's not the only finger I'd like to display,

but I know that being kind is the only right way.

A Child, not a thing

My son, not a ring

Think first

then rehearse

Smile

Wait awhile

Don't stare

That's not fair

Please be kind,

rewind

in my mind:

"What a beautiful son.

YOU'RE the lucky one."

"Yes, it's true.

Oh, thank you!"