our pretty little baby
the little one
a blonde little
fireball
making demands
and stealing lipstick
at age 2

my beautiful
little sister
how can i describe
my love for you?

it is boundless

i am determined
that life
will be good to you
from now on

i am utterly convinced
of your brilliance
your light
your unshakeable humor
bringing me to tears

little sister
if i could give you the world
i would

but i cannot

i can only show you
my hopes and my failures
i can only hold up
a mirror for you
i can only give you
what i have to give

you are not so little
our pretty baby
but of all of us
you have the most
t i m e
you have the most
to gain from
all of our mistakes
you have the most
to gain
from all of our love

happy birthday
my crazy sister
my    s t u n n i n g l y   beautiful
artist and muse

happy birthday
sweet
ariane