Based on the lives of two real sisters, this book expresses the joys and challenges of growing up with a sibling who has special needs.
"These fine and moving poems are the record of a woman who knows how life's unexpected turns force us to relearn what we thought we already knew"
-Robert Cording
"Character navigates the straits of loss, deep sadness, and joy; to limn, in full complexity and richness, what it means to be wife, lover, mother, doubter, believer."
-Sydney Lea
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Also available after May 1st, 2009:
This poem was the inspiration behind My Sister, Alicia May
Our Fragile EmissaryBy: Nancy Tupper Ling
With modern screening and such
they wonder why
you're here, on this earth
in our home
and in our arms,
after all, anyone
with any sense would have resolved
this problem of you
pre-birth, pre pain.
Blonde Beauty,
tiny as you are,
you catch their stares,
strangers' second glances
into tender baby blues.
And your young
sweet ears hear whisperings
("Down's," "defects")
words dropped loosely
at extra-chromosomed girls.
With such stinging receptions
how we long to shelter you,
surround you; keep your
gentle smiles to ourselves.
Instead, we hold you
up, for others to see;
let you, our fragile emissary
speak to an imperfect world.