Siblings

What is a big brother?
What do they do?
My young son inquired
when I broke the news.
As I sat there and thought
about how to answer,
I remembered my brothers
and I remembered my sister.
The oldest was stoic, angry, and mean.
I thought he hung the moon,
but he never liked me.
My sister was my teacher,
my enemy, my friend.
I wound up holding
great respect for her in the end.
The last was the kindest
in every way.
He could always make me laugh,
even on my worst days.
Then I remembered
my years as the youngest.
I wonder if they knew
how they held my interest?
I know I was a pain,
always getting in their things.
But I wanted to be like them,
so I pretended to be.
So what is a big brother,
and what do they do?
As someone's little sister,
I can give you some clues.
Keep your heart open,
and welcome the love,
that is surely coming
from this gift from above.
Leave your door open,
although it will help
to put dearest belongings
upon a high shelf.
Open your eyes
to the role you will play.
Remember the future
depends on these days.
Open your ears
and be willing to listen.
Nothing will mean more
than your ongoing patience.
Open your mouth
and be free with advice.
It's value to your sibling
can be given no price.
Open your life
and make a little space.
You can rest assured that
you will not lose your place.
Becoming a big brother
means good things are in store.
You will find that in our family,
there's always room for one more.