Sisters know each other in a way that no one else can. At least that’s how it was with my sister, Milly. She was a special person. Independent, strong and caring. I wrote a special tribute to her in the Myth of the Yellow Kitchen. She also had special insights about me, apparently. She even wrote a poem about me. Maybe those who know me will recognize the person she wrote about?

Ode to Rhoada

Sanibel Island, 2005

by Milly Kapilow

All hail my awesome sister Rhoada

Build for her a sacred pagoda

She flourishes in this tropical setting

This awestruck poem thus begetting.

 

Up at dawn before the sun

Already two laundries she has done

Before the clock has chimed at eight

The beach is walked at rapid gait

And though her guest is yet abed

The New York Times is bought and read.

 

By nine the bike is back on rack

Exhausted by her tireless track

Now she’s home to snatch brief rest

While cleaning house and feeding guest.

 

Next on to sand and comfy chair

To read two books in open air

A spot lunch and on to pool

A mere fifty laps her daily rule.

 

At sunset to library speeding

She needs four books for net days’ reading

She rounds the day by dishing up

Dinner for her guest to sup

Who must obey her sternest wishes

By letting Rho do all the dishes.

 

So goes the day, her vim unfazed

This guest can only watch amazed

Each day an ode to Rho in action

One hour of which puts guest in traction.

 

Two weeks of this without cessation

She pronounces “Perfect Vacation!”

Her thoughts now turn to oh-oh-six

What to do next year to get her kicks.

 

 

Mt. Everest?  The Amazon?  In wilds canoe?

Who know what else the kid will do

An Arctic jaunt?  A trek Down Under?

Maybe ALL!  Salute this ageless wonder!