When I was three
you'd say to me,
"Sis, want to go for a whirl?" 
You'd lift me up high
and spin me around -
faster and faster with my feet off the ground.
After which you'd put me down and I'd say
"Once more!" 

When I was ten and played to win
you'd say to me, 
"Sis, want to give checkers a whirl?"
You'd be really sweet
and let me cheat - 
though you'd always win.
After which I'd say
in a fit of rage, 
"Once more - again!"

Now I am grown and on my own
and the sky is filled with gray.  
The pain is real and hard to deal with
on this cold December day.
Yet I would give most anything
to take the pain away
and hear "Hey sis" once more from you
like older brothers say.