affection

We didn't choose the situations into which

each was slotted at birth, nor did we even

achieve a relationship of our own design.

We find instead that the dice are rolled this way.

Today I cannot avoid the distressing conclusion

you're infused with an urge to rival me in all and sundry -

done (as I must suspect) to impress our father -

or rather to make him feel you're the worthier sibling.

My tribulation began once you got it in your head

that your spread of achievement should emerge at my expense.

You're pleasant to meet, but I'd like it better if you managed

to plan the creation of your own domain elsewhere.

If both of us succeed (once we have tried,)

it's best we dwell where continents divide.