An Ode to Cousins

Thick as thieves.

Isn’t that what they say,

About two people who are the closest of friends?

If so, than these two girls should be charged

With grand larceny.

They’re more than two peas in a pod,

They’re two grapes on a vine; two kernels on an ear; two seeds on a berry.

(Why has no one ever thought of those analogies?)

Two beautiful little girls, made of much the same stuff,

yet, evidently unique.

Curly dark hair and deep, gray eyes,

Straight blonde hair and bright, blue eyes;

Toothy grin,

Gummy smile;

Dances and runs,

Sits and shakes;

(I mean it. She just sits and shakes with excitement

about EVERYTHING)

Despite the differences, there is obvious camaraderie;

Eisley tolerates advances from Elaina she would NEVER accept from me

(Think forced hugs, body-smashing kisses, and poked eyes;

I think she’s still trying to figure out what color they are. I am.).

And Elaina abides Eisley’s innocent-yet-painful interactions,

Far more patiently than she would coming from anyone else

(i.e. merciless hair tugging, endless face scratching, and gallons of slobber

From unrelenting kisses).

And through it all,

They stand up for each other,

(Even if Eisley cannot yet stand).

They each have the other’s back.

They fight,

They forgive,

They scream,

They laugh,

They share,

They grab,

They imitate,

They lead,

They laugh at each other,

They cry together,

And above all,

They love.

Even at this young age,

They love.

And I count my blessings that I am allowed

the privilege

To watch.

I hope they always remain this close.

No, THIS close…