The Last Sister

Solitary evenings spent

imagining how things could be

acted out with stuffed animals

filling the role of my family,

surrounding me with attention.

They are consistently there.

Unlike their counterparts.

A sister takes the shape of a black cat

back stretched

relaxed. Purring.

Claws still hidden away.

A bulldog takes another sister

strong headed, loyal,

a loving companion to the cat one day

but still mortal enemies the next.

A brother becomes a panda

calm, huge

but still a wild bear that’s

Endangered. Disappearing.

Dragon fire breathes from the last brother

fierce, angry.

Protective of the others selfishly

until he gets bored.

I am not an animal.

I am me. The last sister.

Surrounded by my family

who see me as a toy

to be cast aside,

put away

until they want to play with me.

Again.