Empirical Sisters

We can argue past the evening, Turn a footnote to a feud, Give a passing irritation More respect than it is due. Then the table falls to Silence, And the Silence tells the truth: There is more at stake between us Than any point we meant to prove. The sisters we choose, The family we make, Scattered in from other lives, Held by the care we take. We are not each other’s mirrors, Nor were we meant to be. We choose not just each other— But the friends we mean to be. I have no use for echoes, Or a peace that isn’t real. I’d rather hear what you believe Than what you think I need to hear. And if my words have wounded, I can bear to hear I’m wrong. The point is none the stronger For defending it too long. The sisters we choose, The family we make, Scattered in from other lives, Held by the care we take. We are not each other’s mirrors, Nor were we meant to be. We choose not just each other— But the friends we mean to be. What comes lightly to one hand May lie heavy in the next; We cannot weigh another’s labour By the ease of our own steps. There is no measure of a heart In how lightly burdens fall; Some days we hold each other up, Some days one holds us all. We know the shapes of Silence, The difference in a sigh; When to ask another question, When to let a moment lie. When joy comes through the doorway Or grief arrives unheard, There’s room enough beside us Before we find the words. Not every truth needs triumph, Not every hurt a trial. We can lay aside the verdict Without laying truth aside. There’s little glory counting points Where no one ought to lose. And when one says, “You’ve hurt me,” Let the others hear her through. For friendship is not merely What we find, but what we do. The sisters we choose, The family we make, Scattered in from other lives, Held by the care we take. We are not each other’s mirrors, Nor were we meant to be. We choose not just each other— But the friends we mean to be. Not by blood or obligation, Not because we’re always right. Three women, still themselves, Still making room for one another. One harmony between us That none could sing alone. Scattered in by chance. Remaining here by choice.