Three Sisters

Three Sisters-young girls at the shore painting by artist Kay Crain 
(used temporarily and without permission)

Three sisters, all on different shores

Separated and yet, bound by a common history

At times demon pursued and always God blessed

Even their own families could not believe the stories

Miner's daughters

Loving mothers and wives

Angels of mercy and terrible vengeance

Sisters, mothers and aunts who've shared so much of their lives

  

Three sisters, suffered and toiled

Robbed of health by a common vice

Suffering children and spouses that never understood

The span of those lives, the burden, and the price

Their unfailing devotion

Their indomitable spirits

Voices that could make you smile or weep

Call you down low or raise you up, extol your merits

Three sisters, passed through shadow

Forged by the fires of violence and revolution

Cooled by internal, eternal waters of life

Honed like razors for their family's protection

Stalwart guardians and teachers

Never given your full credit due

Your children are here now

Finally understanding, we appreciate you

Three sisters, one now gone home

Two sisters, separated but not alone

One sister my oath to defend

Three sisters loved by children now grown

This poem is dedicated to my Aunts Barbara, Goiky, and my mother Margy.  Three sisters who have given all and have raised families that love them.  Aunt Barb, I know you are interceding for us, smiling down from heaven.  We miss you and await the day when we are all reunited as a family in a reunion that will shake the heavens.