Baby Sister

Baby sister
I hope you grow up
better than I did.
To have a mom and dad
who actually love each other,
and a house
that people won't make fun of.
I want you
to know your beauty
and your worth.
To look in the mirror
and love yourself.
I want for you
to understand
the importance of kindness,
but also for you
to be able to
stand up for yourself.
When I look at you,
I see happiness
seeping from your smile.
Baby sister
I hope that sunshine
never fades.
I hope the world
doesn't corrupt you
like it did to me.
I hope you never
let a partner break you down,
or make you feel
like you're not a priority.
I hope he,
or she,
or they
love you
just as much as I do.
I want you to never understand
what it's like
for your mother
to ask for money
so she can buy cigarettes.
I hope you never
have to watch your mother
get pulled over for the umpteenth time
because her plates have been
expired for months.
Because as she sits there crying
a part of you dies inside,
and I never want you
to feel that pain.
Your life is so precious,
and you are the light of my life.
My baby sister
don't let them hurt you.
Don't let their cruelty
influence the way
you view yourself
because you are beautiful
inside and out.
I hope you don't
shut everyone out
like I did.
I hope you tell someone
when you feel sad
and they support you.
I want you to never
have to worry
about if you'll be eating cereal
for every meal.
I don't want you
to be everyone's punching bag.
I don't want you
to think mistakes are bad.
I don't want you
to ever feel like
you aren't worth it.
Baby sister
I love you,
and I would risk everything
to make sure
that you're happy and healthy.
I will always be there for you.
You are a gift
I never thought
I would have.