Siblings share a unique bond that is often filled with love, laughter, and sometimes rivalry. These ten poems explore the depth of relationships between brothers and sisters, capturing the essence of sibling connections.
1. "To My Brother" by Siegfried Sassoon
Give me your hand, my brother, search my face;
Look in these eyes lest I should think of shame;
For we have made an end of all things base,
We are returning by the road we came.
Sassoon’s poem is a poignant tribute to a brother, reflecting on the shared experiences and the deep connection that remains even in the face of adversity.
2. "Brother and Sister" by Lewis Carroll
"Sister, sister, go to bed!
Go and rest your weary head."
Thus the prudent brother said.
This playful poem by Lewis Carroll captures the dynamic between a caring brother and his sister, emphasizing the protective nature of sibling relationships.
3. "Brothers and Sisters" by Robert William Service
We share our joys and sorrows,
And we're happy as can be;
And when we grow up we'll be chums,
As now, my sis and me.
Service’s poem celebrates the joyful companionship between siblings, portraying the close bond that often forms in childhood and lasts throughout life.
4. "Sisters" by Lucille Clifton
me and you
be sisters.
we be the same.
me and you
coming from the same place.
Lucille Clifton’s poem captures the unbreakable bond between sisters, emphasizing their shared experiences and the deep understanding they have of each other.
5. "To My Sister" by William Wordsworth
It is the first mild day of March:
Each minute sweeter than before,
The redbreast sings from the tall larch
That stands beside our door.
In this poem, Wordsworth writes a tender letter to his sister, celebrating the simple joys of nature and the comfort of their close relationship.
6. "I Had a Little Sister" by Katharine Tynan
I had a little sister, she was younger than me;
I often think about her when I sit beside the sea.
I miss her little footsteps, her laughter glad and free,
The long, long years between us now are sad as sad can be.
Tynan’s poem is a heartfelt reflection on the loss of a sister, capturing the deep sense of longing and the enduring love that remains despite the distance of time.
7. "We Are Seven" by William Wordsworth
A simple child,
That lightly draws its breath,
And feels its life in every limb,
What should it know of death?
This famous poem by Wordsworth explores a young girl’s unshakable belief in the continued presence of her deceased siblings, highlighting the innocence and depth of sibling love.
8. "Brother, I’ve Seen Some" by Stephen Spender
Brother, I’ve seen some,
But not the same as you.
And when I saw them, brother,
I could not help but think of you.
Spender’s poem expresses a deep emotional connection between brothers, where the memory of one evokes the presence of the other, reflecting the enduring bond between siblings.
9. "Two Sisters" by Amy Lowell
There's no place for us in the world of men;
From the moment we're born, we are destined
To be twain and to share one heart between us.
Amy Lowell’s poem portrays the unique relationship between two sisters, bound by a shared heart and soul, emphasizing the deep connection that often characterizes sisterhood.
10. "Brotherly Love" by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Love is as love does, and there's no love lost,
When brothers and sisters see what it cost.
A heart may be broken, but again it will mend,
For brotherly love will always defend.
Dunbar’s poem reflects on the resilience of sibling love, acknowledging the challenges and conflicts that can arise but ultimately affirming the enduring strength of the bond between brothers and sisters.
These poems offer a window into the complexities and depth of sibling relationships. Whether celebrating joyful companionship or reflecting on loss and distance, each poem captures the essence of the bond between brothers and sisters.
