Few relationships are as complex and meaningful as the bond between siblings. Brothers and sisters share childhood memories, family traditions, moments of laughter, and sometimes even life's greatest challenges. These sibling poems celebrate that unique connection through heartfelt, funny, and emotional verses. Whether you're looking for a poem for a birthday, a special occasion, or simply a reminder of the love between siblings, you'll find the perfect words below.
Short Poems about Siblings
Short sibling poems capture the love, laughter, and lifelong connection between brothers and sisters in just a few meaningful lines. Whether you're looking for a heartfelt message, a birthday verse, or a simple reminder of your family bond, these short poems perfectly express the unique relationship siblings share.
1. Excerpt from “Brother and Sister” Brother and sister, hand in hand,
Wandered through a pleasant land;
Sharing laughter, sharing song,
Helping one another along.
Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) is one of the most celebrated English poets of the Victorian era. She shared a remarkable creative bond with her own siblings — her brother Dante Gabriel Rossetti was a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. This short excerpt reflects her belief that childhood togetherness shapes the whole of a life.
Brother and sister, hand in hand, Wandered through a pleasant land; Sharing laughter, sharing song, Helping one another along.
Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) is one of the most celebrated English poets of the Victorian era. She shared a remarkable creative bond with her own siblings — her brother Dante Gabriel Rossetti was a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. This short excerpt reflects her belief that childhood togetherness shapes the whole of a life.
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2. Excerpt from "The Brothers" We were two brothers, side by side,
Together we walked life's changing tide;
Through joy and sorrow, hand in hand,
Bound by love's enduring strand.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882), beloved American poet, lost several siblings and loved ones throughout his life. His poetry often returned to themes of fraternal loyalty and the endurance of family bonds through loss and time. This excerpt reads like a quiet vow between brothers.
We were two brothers, side by side, Together we walked life's changing tide; Through joy and sorrow, hand in hand, Bound by love's enduring strand.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882), beloved American poet, lost several siblings and loved ones throughout his life. His poetry often returned to themes of fraternal loyalty and the endurance of family bonds through loss and time. This excerpt reads like a quiet vow between brothers.
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3. Childhood Adventures From backyard games to secret dreams,
Life was never quite what it seems.
Through every memory, bright and true,
My favorite part was sharing it with you.
From backyard games to secret dreams, Life was never quite what it seems. Through every memory, bright and true, My favorite part was sharing it with you.
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4. Built on Memories We built our world from games and dreams,
From whispered plans and secret schemes.
The years have passed, the seasons flown,
Yet every memory has grown
Into a love uniquely our own.
We built our world from games and dreams, From whispered plans and secret schemes. The years have passed, the seasons flown, Yet every memory has grown Into a love uniquely our own.
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5. Different Yet Alike We are different in many ways,
Yet connected through all our days.
Two stories written side by side,
With love and memories as our guide,
A bond that time cannot divide.
We are different in many ways, Yet connected through all our days. Two stories written side by side, With love and memories as our guide, A bond that time cannot divide.
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Emotional Sibling Poems that Make You Cry
Some sibling bonds are impossible to put into words. They are built through years of shared memories, unconditional support, and countless moments spent side by side. These emotional sibling poems capture the love, gratitude, and deep connection that make brothers and sisters such an important part of our lives. Each verse reflects the strength of a relationship shaped by laughter, challenges, and memories that remain long after childhood has passed.
6. "Brother and Sister" (Sonnet I) I cannot choose but think upon the time
When our two lives grew like two buds that kiss
At lightest thrill from the bee's swinging chime,
Because the one so near the other is.
He was the elder and a little man
Of forty inches, bound to show no dread,
And I the girl that puppy-like now ran,
Now lagged behind my brother's larger tread.
I held him wise, and when he talked to me
Of snakes and birds, and which God loved the best,
I thought his knowledge marked the boundary
Where men grew blind, though angels knew the rest.
If he said Hush! I tried to hold my breath;
Wherever he said Come! I stepped in faith.
I cannot choose but think upon the time When our two lives grew like two buds that kiss At lightest thrill from the bee's swinging chime, Because the one so near the other is. He was the elder and a little man Of forty inches, bound to show no dread, And I the girl that puppy-like now ran, Now lagged behind my brother's larger tread. I held him wise, and when he talked to me Of snakes and birds, and which God loved the best, I thought his knowledge marked the boundary Where men grew blind, though angels knew the rest. If he said Hush! I tried to hold my breath; Wherever he said Come! I stepped in faith.
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7. Excerpt from "To My Brothers" Small, busy flames play through the fresh laid coals,
And their faint cracklings o'er our silence creep
Like whispers of the household gods that keep
A gentle empire o'er fraternal souls.
And while, for rhymes, I search around the poles,
Your eyes are fix'd, as in poetic sleep,
Upon the lore so voluble and deep,
That aye at fall of night our care condoles.
This is your birth-day, Tom, and I rejoice
That thus it passes smoothly, quietly.
Many such eves of gently whisp'ring noise
May we together pass, and calmly try
What are this world's true joys, — ere the great voice
From its fair face shall bid our spirits fly.
Small, busy flames play through the fresh laid coals, And their faint cracklings o'er our silence creep Like whispers of the household gods that keep A gentle empire o'er fraternal souls. And while, for rhymes, I search around the poles, Your eyes are fix'd, as in poetic sleep, Upon the lore so voluble and deep, That aye at fall of night our care condoles. This is your birth-day, Tom, and I rejoice That thus it passes smoothly, quietly. Many such eves of gently whisp'ring noise May we together pass, and calmly try What are this world's true joys, — ere the great voice From its fair face shall bid our spirits fly.
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8. The Empty Chair We grew up in the same small home,
Running through hallways we thought we'd own.
The years moved on, as years will do,
Yet every memory still leads to you.
I still recall those summer nights,
The whispered dreams, the pillow fights.
Back then, tomorrow seemed so wide,
And somehow you were always by my side.
Now life has taken us different ways,
Leaving only echoes of those days.
But when I think of where I belong,
I find you there, all along.
Because no matter how much time goes by,
Some bonds never learn to say goodbye.
We grew up in the same small home, Running through hallways we thought we'd own. The years moved on, as years will do, Yet every memory still leads to you. I still recall those summer nights, The whispered dreams, the pillow fights. Back then, tomorrow seemed so wide, And somehow you were always by my side. Now life has taken us different ways, Leaving only echoes of those days. But when I think of where I belong, I find you there, all along. Because no matter how much time goes by, Some bonds never learn to say goodbye.
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Funny Verses for Brothers & Sisters
Not every sibling poem has to be serious. Some of the best memories between brothers and sisters come from playful arguments, harmless pranks, and years of friendly teasing. These funny sibling poems celebrate the lighter side of family life and the unique ability siblings have to make us laugh, annoy us, and still remain our closest companions.
9. Professional Teaser You've mocked my hair, my clothes, my grin,
And somehow always managed to win.
But after all these years, it's clear—
Life would be boring without you here.
You've mocked my hair, my clothes, my grin, And somehow always managed to win. But after all these years, it's clear— Life would be boring without you here.
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10. Sibling Rules Rule number one: don't touch my food.
Rule number two: don't be rude.
Rule number three: stay out my room.
Rule number four: respect my broom.
Rule number five: don't steal my phone.
Rule number six: leave me alone.
You broke each rule before lunchtime,
And somehow claimed the fault was mine.
After all the fights we've had,
The funny thing is, it's not that bad.
Because life would be awfully still
Without you testing my patience at will.
Rule number one: don't touch my food. Rule number two: don't be rude. Rule number three: stay out my room. Rule number four: respect my broom. Rule number five: don't steal my phone. Rule number six: leave me alone. You broke each rule before lunchtime, And somehow claimed the fault was mine. After all the fights we've had, The funny thing is, it's not that bad. Because life would be awfully still Without you testing my patience at will.
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11. The Last Slice There was one slice of pizza left,
A treasure no one should be bereft.
I looked away for just one second,
Long enough for you to wreck it.
When questioned, you denied the crime,
Though sauce was on your face the whole time.
The jury ruled, the evidence clear,
Yet somehow I had to apologize, my dear.
Some things never change, it's true—
Especially when the thief is you.
There was one slice of pizza left, A treasure no one should be bereft. I looked away for just one second, Long enough for you to wreck it. When questioned, you denied the crime, Though sauce was on your face the whole time. The jury ruled, the evidence clear, Yet somehow I had to apologize, my dear. Some things never change, it's true— Especially when the thief is you.
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12. The Blame Game A lamp fell over, crash and bang,
And instantly the accusations sprang.
"It wasn't me!" we both would shout,
Before the facts had all come out.
Mom would ask us what took place,
And both of us wore the same innocent face.
The truth got lost somewhere along the way,
Yet somehow we'd survive another day.
For siblings know a special art—
Protect yourself and play your part.
A lamp fell over, crash and bang, And instantly the accusations sprang. "It wasn't me!" we both would shout, Before the facts had all come out. Mom would ask us what took place, And both of us wore the same innocent face. The truth got lost somewhere along the way, Yet somehow we'd survive another day. For siblings know a special art— Protect yourself and play your part.
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Poetry for Every Sibling Relationship
Every sibling relationship is unique. Some brothers and sisters grow up as best friends, while others spend years teasing, competing, and challenging one another. Yet beneath those differences often lies a bond built on shared experiences and lifelong memories. The following poems celebrate the many forms sibling relationships can take, from brother-and-sister connections to the special understanding shared between sisters or brothers.
Words matter but so do the moments you create together. If you're looking for a way to celebrate that bond beyond the page, our matching family t-shirts are a fun, tangible way to show the world just how close you really are. Because some things are better worn than said.
A) Brother & Sister Poetry
13. "The Early Morning" The moon on the one hand, the dawn on the other:
The moon is my sister, the dawn is my brother.
The moon on my left and the dawn on my right.
My brother, good morning: my sister, good night.
The moon on the one hand, the dawn on the other: The moon is my sister, the dawn is my brother. The moon on my left and the dawn on my right. My brother, good morning: my sister, good night.
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14. Built-In Best Friend As children we would fight all day,
Then somehow find a game to play.
You'd make me laugh when I was mad,
And cheer me up when I felt sad.
No friendship ever felt quite right
Compared to ours through every fight.
A brother and sister may disagree,
But you'll always mean the world to me.
As children we would fight all day, Then somehow find a game to play. You'd make me laugh when I was mad, And cheer me up when I felt sad. No friendship ever felt quite right Compared to ours through every fight. A brother and sister may disagree, But you'll always mean the world to me.
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15. Side by Side You walked ahead, I followed near,
Never doubting you were there.
Through scraped-up knees and childhood fears,
You helped me through the early years.
Life may lead us far apart,
Yet distance cannot change the heart.
For no matter where our journeys start,
A brother and sister are never truly apart.
You walked ahead, I followed near, Never doubting you were there. Through scraped-up knees and childhood fears, You helped me through the early years. Life may lead us far apart, Yet distance cannot change the heart. For no matter where our journeys start, A brother and sister are never truly apart.
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16. Childhood Team You were my brother, I was your sister,
And somehow every day felt richer.
We built forts from blankets on the floor,
And guarded kingdoms behind bedroom doors.
You'd take the lead, I'd make the plans,
Certain we'd conquer distant lands.
The toys are gone, the years have flown,
And both of us have fully grown.
Still, when I think of home and laughter,
I find my brother in every chapter.
You were my brother, I was your sister, And somehow every day felt richer. We built forts from blankets on the floor, And guarded kingdoms behind bedroom doors. You'd take the lead, I'd make the plans, Certain we'd conquer distant lands. The toys are gone, the years have flown, And both of us have fully grown. Still, when I think of home and laughter, I find my brother in every chapter.
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B) Poems from Sister to Sister
17. A Sister’s Silent Strength You were there in days so small,
When I could barely stand at all,
A gentle hand, a guiding light,
You turned my darkness into bright.
Through whispered dreams and childhood fears,
You stayed beside me through the years,
A voice of calm, a heart so true,
No one understands me quite like you.
We fought, we laughed, we learned to grow,
In ways the world may never know,
Yet in my heart, it’s always clear,
My greatest strength is having you near.
No matter where this life may bend,
You are my sister, my forever friend.
You were there in days so small, When I could barely stand at all, A gentle hand, a guiding light, You turned my darkness into bright. Through whispered dreams and childhood fears, You stayed beside me through the years, A voice of calm, a heart so true, No one understands me quite like you. We fought, we laughed, we learned to grow, In ways the world may never know, Yet in my heart, it’s always clear, My greatest strength is having you near. No matter where this life may bend, You are my sister, my forever friend.
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18. "My Sister, My Friend." To me, you are an angel in disguise.
Full of intuition, you are intelligent and wise.
Always giving and helping through good times and bad.
You are the best friend I've ever had.
If I had one wish, it would surely be
To give you as much as you've given to me.
Though I've put our relationship through some cloudy days,
You've been my sunshine in so many ways.
Through trials and tests, right by me you stood,
And you gave me your hand whenever you could.
Thank you so much, my sister, my friend.
My gratitude for you has no end.
Source: familyfriendpoems.com
Published on Family Friend Poems, one of the largest community poetry platforms, this piece by Leann Stiegman resonated with thousands of readers who recognised in it their own complicated, loving sisterhood — the kind that survives disagreements and comes out stronger for them.
To me, you are an angel in disguise. Full of intuition, you are intelligent and wise. Always giving and helping through good times and bad. You are the best friend I've ever had. If I had one wish, it would surely be To give you as much as you've given to me. Though I've put our relationship through some cloudy days, You've been my sunshine in so many ways. Through trials and tests, right by me you stood, And you gave me your hand whenever you could. Thank you so much, my sister, my friend. My gratitude for you has no end.
Source: familyfriendpoems.com
Published on Family Friend Poems, one of the largest community poetry platforms, this piece by Leann Stiegman resonated with thousands of readers who recognised in it their own complicated, loving sisterhood — the kind that survives disagreements and comes out stronger for them.
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19. Sisterhood Some friendships fade, some seasons pass,
Some moments disappear like glass.
But sisterhood is built to stay,
Through every year and every day.
When life feels heavy, loud, or long,
You remind me where I belong.
Not simply family by birth alone,
But someone who has helped me grow.
Some friendships fade, some seasons pass, Some moments disappear like glass. But sisterhood is built to stay, Through every year and every day. When life feels heavy, loud, or long, You remind me where I belong. Not simply family by birth alone, But someone who has helped me grow.
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20. Growing Up Together We borrowed clothes and borrowed dreams,
Shared whispered talks and secret schemes.
We laughed at things no one else knew,
And made old memories feel brand new.
The years have changed so much in life,
Yet through each joy and every strife,
One thing remains forever true—
I'm grateful I grew up with you.
We borrowed clothes and borrowed dreams, Shared whispered talks and secret schemes. We laughed at things no one else knew, And made old memories feel brand new. The years have changed so much in life, Yet through each joy and every strife, One thing remains forever true— I'm grateful I grew up with you.
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C) Poems from Brother to Brother
21. Brothers We built our confidence together,
Facing every kind of weather.
From scraped-up knees to grown-up plans,
We learned life side by side as men.
The world may change, and so do we,
Yet some things stay remarkably free—
The trust, the laughter, and the pride
Of having a brother by your side.
We built our confidence together, Facing every kind of weather. From scraped-up knees to grown-up plans, We learned life side by side as men. The world may change, and so do we, Yet some things stay remarkably free— The trust, the laughter, and the pride Of having a brother by your side.
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22. Brothers Don't Always Say It We never talked about feelings much,
Or said the things we probably should.
Instead we joked, argued, and laughed,
The way most brothers understood.
Yet when life became difficult,
And the road ahead seemed unclear,
You showed up without being asked—
A reminder that a brother was near.
We never talked about feelings much, Or said the things we probably should. Instead we joked, argued, and laughed, The way most brothers understood. Yet when life became difficult, And the road ahead seemed unclear, You showed up without being asked— A reminder that a brother was near.
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23. My Brother's Shadow As children, I walked close behind,
Certain you knew more than I did.
You climbed the trees I feared to climb,
And never seemed afraid of anything.
I copied words, I copied ways,
Trying to be more like you each day.
The years have shown we're not the same,
Each of us building a different name.
Yet some part of that younger brother remains,
Still proud of the path you've made.
Not because you've never fallen,
But because you always stood up again.
As children, I walked close behind, Certain you knew more than I did. You climbed the trees I feared to climb, And never seemed afraid of anything. I copied words, I copied ways, Trying to be more like you each day. The years have shown we're not the same, Each of us building a different name. Yet some part of that younger brother remains, Still proud of the path you've made. Not because you've never fallen, But because you always stood up again.
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Sibling Poetry by Life Event
Some moments in life call for words that come straight from the heart. From birthdays and weddings to times of loss and remembrance, sibling poems can help express emotions that are often difficult to put into words. The following poems are organized by life event, making it easier to find the perfect verse for celebrating, honoring, or supporting a brother or sister through life's most meaningful occasions.
A) Birthday Poems for Sister & Brother
24. Another Year Together Another year has come and gone,
Yet our connection remains strong.
Through childhood memories, joy, and laughter,
You've been there in every chapter.
Today I celebrate not only your birth,
But the happiness you've brought to this earth.
May this year bring all you deserve,
And every blessing life can serve.
Another year has come and gone, Yet our connection remains strong. Through childhood memories, joy, and laughter, You've been there in every chapter. Today I celebrate not only your birth, But the happiness you've brought to this earth. May this year bring all you deserve, And every blessing life can serve.
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25. Happy Birthday, Sibling From birthday cakes to candles bright,
We've shared so many moments in life.
Some years flew by, some seemed slow,
Yet together we continued to grow.
On your special day, I hope you see
How much your presence means to me.
May laughter, love, and dreams come true,
For no one deserves it more than you.
From birthday cakes to candles bright, We've shared so many moments in life. Some years flew by, some seemed slow, Yet together we continued to grow. On your special day, I hope you see How much your presence means to me. May laughter, love, and dreams come true, For no one deserves it more than you.
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26. Another Candle Another candle, another year,
Another memory we hold dear.
It seems like yesterday we were young,
Making up games and having fun.
Now life moves faster than before,
Yet some things stay worth celebrating for.
And one of them, without a doubt,
Is having a sibling I care about.
Another candle, another year, Another memory we hold dear. It seems like yesterday we were young, Making up games and having fun. Now life moves faster than before, Yet some things stay worth celebrating for. And one of them, without a doubt, Is having a sibling I care about.
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27. More Than a Birthday Today we celebrate your birth,
But also everything you're worth.
The laughter shared, the lessons learned,
The kindness and respect you've earned.
Through every year, both good and bad,
You've been one of the greatest gifts I've had.
So on your birthday, this is true—
I'm grateful not just for today, but for you.
Today we celebrate your birth, But also everything you're worth. The laughter shared, the lessons learned, The kindness and respect you've earned. Through every year, both good and bad, You've been one of the greatest gifts I've had. So on your birthday, this is true— I'm grateful not just for today, but for you.
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B) Wedding Poems for Brothers and Sisters
28. Always Family Today the room is filled with cheer,
With family, friends, and those held dear.
We celebrate the love you've found,
And the promises that now surround.
Though your life is changing in beautiful ways,
And new memories will fill your days,
One thing will always remain true,
I'll always be your sister, and I'll always be here for you.
Today the room is filled with cheer, With family, friends, and those held dear. We celebrate the love you've found, And the promises that now surround. Though your life is changing in beautiful ways, And new memories will fill your days, One thing will always remain true, I'll always be your sister, and I'll always be here for you.
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29. My Sister's Wedding Day I still remember years ago,
The little girl I used to know.
We shared our secrets, dreams, and fears,
And grew together through the years.
We laughed until our sides would ache,
And stayed awake far too late.
Those memories remain with me,
As clear as they will always be.
Today I watch you dressed in white,
Your eyes reflecting pure delight.
A new adventure now begins,
With hopes to share and dreams to win.
I still remember years ago, The little girl I used to know. We shared our secrets, dreams, and fears, And grew together through the years. We laughed until our sides would ache, And stayed awake far too late. Those memories remain with me, As clear as they will always be. Today I watch you dressed in white, Your eyes reflecting pure delight. A new adventure now begins, With hopes to share and dreams to win.
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30. For My Brother on His Wedding Day We've traveled many roads together,
Through every kind of stormy weather.
From childhood games in the backyard sun,
To all the milestones we have won.
I've watched you grow, I've watched you learn,
And earn the respect that you now deserve.
Today I see you standing tall,
Ready to answer life's next call.
The happiness upon your face
Shows you've found your special place.
May your marriage be filled with trust,
With patience, laughter, and endless love.
And through each season yet to come,
May your hearts continue beating as one.
We've traveled many roads together, Through every kind of stormy weather. From childhood games in the backyard sun, To all the milestones we have won. I've watched you grow, I've watched you learn, And earn the respect that you now deserve. Today I see you standing tall, Ready to answer life's next call. The happiness upon your face Shows you've found your special place. May your marriage be filled with trust, With patience, laughter, and endless love. And through each season yet to come, May your hearts continue beating as one.
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C) Poem for Sister on Mother's Day
31. More Than a Sister You have always been many things to me—
A sister, a friend, a trusted voice.
Someone who listened without judgment,
And celebrated every victory and choice.
Today I watch your children grow,
Surrounded by the love you freely show.
The same heart that cared for me years ago
Now helps another generation flourish and glow.
So on this Mother's Day, I send my love,
Along with gratitude and admiration too.
Because being your sister has been a gift,
And seeing you as a mother is one as well.
You have always been many things to me— A sister, a friend, a trusted voice. Someone who listened without judgment, And celebrated every victory and choice. Today I watch your children grow, Surrounded by the love you freely show. The same heart that cared for me years ago Now helps another generation flourish and glow. So on this Mother's Day, I send my love, Along with gratitude and admiration too. Because being your sister has been a gift, And seeing you as a mother is one as well.
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32. Mother's Day for My Sister Life moves quickly year by year,
Yet some things stay remarkably clear.
Your patience when the days are long,
Your steady heart when things go wrong.
The laughter shared around your home,
The love that never stands alone.
I've watched your family thrive and grow,
Because of all the care you show.
Today I simply wish to say,
Happy Mother's Day in every way.
Life moves quickly year by year, Yet some things stay remarkably clear. Your patience when the days are long, Your steady heart when things go wrong. The laughter shared around your home, The love that never stands alone. I've watched your family thrive and grow, Because of all the care you show. Today I simply wish to say, Happy Mother's Day in every way.
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D) Poems About Losing a Sibling
33. "On the Death of Anne Brontë" There's little joy in life for me,
And little terror in the grave;
I've lived the parting hour to see
Of one I would have died to save.
Calmly to watch the failing breath,
Wishing each sigh might be the last;
Longing to see the shade of death
O'er those belovèd features cast.
The cloud, the stillness that must part
The darling of my life from me;
And then to thank God from my heart,
To thank Him well and fervently;
Although I knew that we had lost
The hope and glory of our life;
And now, benighted, tempest-tossed,
Must bear alone the weary strife.
Charlotte Brontë wrote this poem after the death of her youngest sister Anne — the third sibling she had lost within a single year. Emily had died in December 1848, and Branwell just months before that. Charlotte was now the last surviving Brontë child. What makes this poem extraordinary is its unflinching honesty: rather than consoling herself with hope, Charlotte describes watching Anne's life fade as an act of love, not despair. It is considered one of the rawest grief poems in the English language.
There's little joy in life for me, And little terror in the grave; I've lived the parting hour to see Of one I would have died to save. Calmly to watch the failing breath, Wishing each sigh might be the last; Longing to see the shade of death O'er those belovèd features cast. The cloud, the stillness that must part The darling of my life from me; And then to thank God from my heart, To thank Him well and fervently; Although I knew that we had lost The hope and glory of our life; And now, benighted, tempest-tossed, Must bear alone the weary strife.
Charlotte Brontë wrote this poem after the death of her youngest sister Anne — the third sibling she had lost within a single year. Emily had died in December 1848, and Branwell just months before that. Charlotte was now the last surviving Brontë child. What makes this poem extraordinary is its unflinching honesty: rather than consoling herself with hope, Charlotte describes watching Anne's life fade as an act of love, not despair. It is considered one of the rawest grief poems in the English language.
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34. "Remember" Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
Written in 1849 when Rossetti was just eighteen years old, Remember was published in her first collection Goblin Market and Other Poems (1862). Though not written explicitly about a sibling, it has long been used to honour those we've lost — and its final turn, where the speaker asks to be forgotten rather than remembered in sadness, makes it one of the most generous and consoling poems about grief ever written.
Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand, Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay. Remember me when no more day by day You tell me of our future that you planned: Only remember me; you understand It will be late to counsel then or pray. Yet if you should forget me for a while And afterwards remember, do not grieve: For if the darkness and corruption leave A vestige of the thoughts that once I had, Better by far you should forget and smile Than that you should remember and be sad.
Written in 1849 when Rossetti was just eighteen years old, Remember was published in her first collection Goblin Market and Other Poems (1862). Though not written explicitly about a sibling, it has long been used to honour those we've lost — and its final turn, where the speaker asks to be forgotten rather than remembered in sadness, makes it one of the most generous and consoling poems about grief ever written.
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