Little Sister

Brooding in her sister’s shadow
She hatches plot after plot 
Intended to draw attention to herself
Then tosses each one to the wind
For imperfection. 

Jealousy burns deep within her eyes
And more than once she turns in indecision,
Stamping her feet and making waves,
But afraid to step out of the water;
Unsure of her own strength.

Her sister betrayed her;
Stole her thunder — and center stage —
Lead in the high school play,
Top billing at the box office
And all the Mardi Gras beads.

When at last she lashes out,
Almost more in anger at herself 
Than those around her,
She’s still the timid one
As she bangs her fists and pouts. 

Oh Ophelia! 
Little sister begging for attention — 
Your tears run salty ‘round your feet;
You’ll never make them forget
Katrina’s rage. 


september 2005
Janet Reid


Hurricane Ophelia pigtailed her way indecisively along the eastern US seaboard, 
making a glancing blow at North Carolina Sept 15, 2005, before arcing north east again.