two sisters strong

one carried my nephews
until her belly buldged
two big for me to hug

one survived an overturned canoe
in frigid waters, doing all
she could to shield her son

one broke water
too soon, and held on for months
on her back in a hospital
protecting a miracle

they broke arms
in a mechanical exerciser bike
a fall from a tree
a shot from my leg cannon

they teach, they protect
bake and bike, ski and kayak
hunt and fish, gather and create

and because of them
I have nephews, a niece
love to give, to receive

I am lucky
I am two sisters strong





the women in my family are strong