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Shennen Bersani

My Sister, Alicia May

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.

Illustrations by Shennen Bersani , Video by David Hoon Newman

To order:

 www.amazon.com or contact me.

This poem was the inspiration behind My Sister, Alicia May.

Our Fragile Emissary
By: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.

Nancy’s other books for children: