My sister is an egotist, and proud
of her self-love. She argues that the first
objective, if one’s luckily endowed
with smarts, is happiness – to be immersed
in chosen labor, utilizing mind
and body, loving some, respecting all.
She’s bright and raised herself; her course refined
from infancy, she winnows flight from fall.

Insisting parts are greater than the whole,
concerning women and relationships,
my sister guards her boundaries. Control
she wants, but just of her. She won’t eclipse
another’s light; she says to each her own.
She’s always good and often best alone.