Yet Lately, a poem

Please note:

This poem is NOT a sibling rant.

As you read to the end, the context will be revealed...

YET LATELY

by Josette Abruzzini

I’ve always looked up to you,

followed your every move,

stood proudly beside you,

and flashed my fondest smile for you,

yet lately, you cast your eyes away.

I’ve shared my most magnificent treasures.

to warm you, cool you, nourish you,

to help you hum and glow whenever you like,

yet lately, you take my gifts for granted.

We’ve shared each other’s bounty,

relished in our blessings and privileges,

sung each other’s songs, giggled at each other’s jokes,

and delighted in countless happy reunions,

yet lately, the embers of our love have dimmed.

Together we’ve opened our doors to others,

worked with purpose, played in fairness

and created freely for the common good,

yet lately, I hardly know you.

I have housed your displaced,

fought your bullies,

and risked my life to save your burning house,

yet lately, I wonder if you even remember.

You are swerving off a path that we had always shared.

Your icy shadow chills me.

The sting of your threats send me thrashing.

I fear that your stuffed pockets and false friends

will suck both of us deep into the muck.

Yet lately, I hope upon hope that soon, very soon,

you come to your senses

and reclaim your goodness.

Your concerned sibling, Canada

as published in Pennsylvania Bards:

Eastern PA Poetry Review 2025. Local Gems Press

All rights reserved by Josette Abruzzini

Many thanks to Local Gems Press for the opportunity! And thank you for hosting the reading. A lovely evening!

Thank you for reading this through to its end. Context and perspective are everything!

My life experience as a native Canadian, a naturalized American citizen, a resident of the USA for over 50 years, and a wife, mother, family, friend and teacher to many, has not prepared me for the current situation. I am truly bewildered, as are many.

While writing this poem I struggled to find the closest analogy that begins to express the relationship between our two countries. In time I decided that "siblings with an age difference" expresses the Canadian perspective. This poem shares that perspective with Americans and I expect it might resonate with others as well.

My goal in sharing this poem is to foster an international friendship that has long existed. I am confident that, in time, this fond friendship will again help our people and our countries flourish.