first born

they tell me the seed was planted north of the border
on a camping trip to New Brunswick
how many others have this kind of information
always wondered if this little known fact
makes me Canadian by conception
the idea that started the strong family unit
first born I am part of it
son of a nurse and a teacher
don’t think I could have picked a better combination
and it wasn’t long before I had a brother and a sister
the five of us are tight like a fist
raised high like some praise
respect love encouraging individuality
none of us are the same
the outstretched five fingers
connected to the same hand
one love never showing my appreciation enough
want to dedicate all my thoughts
any success or fortune found
because of the strong foundation
on which I stand
through all the misfortune and mistakes
and nearly forty years never so much
as scratched the foundation
on which I stand
determination as first born
to produce something for the future
and since I have no child I will
leave no thought behind
putting words down as daily as possible
father gave me his pensive wisdom
mother nurtured me caringly
brother taught me introspective adventurous compassion
sister is happiness’ faithful determination
and I am first born
the least I can do is write it all down…