The Oldest Sibling’s Burden

Take up the Eldest Sibling’s burden–

Send forth thy first born–

Experiment with parenting strategy

Do not fret over its effect on me–

Make curfew no later than nine–

Worship grades like a shrine–

Half adult and half child

Take up the Eldest Sibling’s burden–

In patience to obey–

To never let your own ideas get in the way

Of protecting your siblings

And their wellbeings–

Accepting injustice

As a part of being the oldest–

To give the inferior siblings a taste of tough love

But threaten anyone else who looks at them wrong–

Take up the Eldest Sibling’s burden–

Prepare your friends for the chaos that is your house–

Prepare them for the unpredictable little brother–

Earn a driver’s license

Become a taxi–

To grow up quickly

And face the jealousy–

Take up the Eldest Sibling’s burden–

Face adulthood first–

Stay a role model.