7 Minute Poem

In class today we were asked to write a poem about something that has happened to us that has taught us something. I automatically began thinking about the death of my best friend's mom who was like a second mom to me. She lost her fight to cancer on December 16, 2004 the day after Christmas. When Ms. Frailly said it had to be something recent, I knew since its going on Julie's fifth anniversary of her death this coming December that I would have to find something extremely more recent that has happened to me and taught me a lesson.

My second thought traced straight to my twin sister, Heather. Heather and I were born January 27, 1990 in Parsippany, New Jersey. Since that day we have been attached at the hip. Because we were the same age, we always shared the same friends, classes, and extracurricular activities such as cheerleading and tennis. It wasn't until this past school year that we were forced to be separated for a long duration of time than we were ever accustomed to before. Heather home to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. I once thought I would join her there because the shock of her being gone was something I learned I could not bear. I now know she is planning to transfer this next school year somewhere closer to home.

The saying that "you never know what you got 'til it's gone" is so true and really plays a mental picture in my mind now. Throughout high school Heather and I fought constantly, mostly over stupid things that now seemed pointless. My senior year, I got in my first physical altercation ever, and this was with Heather. I started at our house one school morning and continued in the school parking lot. Somehow, it only landed me a spot in the principal's office and my mom had to come to talk to me. The administration said I could calm down or they wanted me to go home. Nevertheless, it's ironic how much we fought and took eachother's company for granted because now that were not together, we both feel like the other half of us it missing.

This past month we had our first birthday apart. She came home that weekend which was a couple days before our actual birthday to try to make things better, but it didn't. I guess the lesson I learned most was about myself and the reflection Heather holds to the inner me. We may have several differences, but on the inside, we are virtually the same. Heather is my other half and my absolute best friend. That is why I have learn a lesson or two about taking someone for granted.

Here is my poem:

There's nothing like
a twin bond
As different, yet
alike as we may be
Two eggs and two
very different sperm
combined to create a sisterhood
that stands out for all to see

Heather is my angel
My best friend
and the closest person to me
I'd never live another day
if I took for granted what others need

They need the comfort, joy
and understanding of
another the same age
To experience life with you
at every difficult stage

She truly makes a difference
in my life because
she sees what I see
I never thought I'd miss her so much
since she left for school out by the beach
And if there's one
lesson I ever learned
It was to hang on to those who teach

You see, this teacher is my sister
We've learned together
right and wrong
Even though we look
extremely different
We'eve been the same person inside all along