VALE

Because she was the first to die
My Aunt Edith considers herself
The eldest of the nine siblings.
Doris, her sister, died today
At ninety seven. I imagine
That about now she is surprised
That a sister who had only
Learned a few words at her death
Has become so voluble.


Aunt Doris must have known
Her strength had limits;
That there were things
She couldn't do.
What these were, though,
I can't imagine. A small woman
Made of iron.
For almost a century,
Her sister Sadie told jokes
At which Doris laughed.