The Re-gifted Birthday Card

The older sister now living
from her old home five states away,
a birthday package arriving
from her sister brightens her day.

Thinking of relatives back home,
she first rips off the brown cover,
then through the box begins to comb.
A birthday card she does discover.

Sentiments of sisterly love
are so eloquently expressed,
her sister is all she thinks of,
as the urge to cry is suppressed.

Then she notices the signature
is that of their deceased mother.
Her surprise slowly turns to pure
joy, for this card’s like no other.

Her sister’s note explains the card:
Their mother had once given it
to their aunt, who did not discard
it; this her heart wouldn’t permit.

Upon their aunt’s death the past year,
this card was found by her sister
as she sorted through things held dear
and saved by their aunt. The sister

instantly knew what she must do,
for the card did perfectly explain
their sisterly bond nothing can undo.
Re-gifting it, pleasure she’d gain.

The older sister understands;
the love contained tugs her heartstrings.
Mother to aunt, sister to sister …
such family love now crying brings.