Written for Alexander William Livengood, (October 14, 1995), upon the birth of his baby sister, Lauren Elizabeth Livengood, (June 4, 1997)

Why is she here, in this place?
This place was always mine.
Little thing with funny face,
And name that is not mine.

Now it’s she who’s sleeping there
In crib that once was mine.
Now it’s she who gets the care
Before was only mine.

When she cries, she’s cuddled tight,
‘Gainst Mommy who was mine.
Daddy picks her up at night,
In arms that were just mine.

If I would cry and cling like her,
Would they again be mine?
If she goes back wherever,
Would we go back in time?

Mommy puts her by my side
Watch her, she says to me.
So I watch, my eyes held wide
And, Oh! She smiles at me!

She kicks her feet and wiggles,
Makes nonsense noise with me.
She’s making me get giggles,
I think she might like me!

See, Mommy holds her, walking,
She only burps or cries,
When Mommy wants some talking,
On me, my mom relies.

This baby cannot walk or such
She’s not as big as me.
I can teach her, oh, so much
Then she’ll grow just like me.

I was the center of their lives,
‘Ere since I’ve been aware.
But she will never have those times,
With me she’ll have to share.

So I think that I will keep her,
And let her have some time
Alone with Dad and Mother,
Although she’s really mine.