When You Are Third Born

you have to share everything
and fight for what is yours,
even if it once belonged to someone else.

you hide tiny treasures under your pillow, between the cushions, in the planters
you stock your crib with all your favorite friends
bite your brother when he's mean
and then wait for mommy to properly scold once she sees
and she always sees.

you draw lots of wild pictures on the walls
and wait for mommy to scold you
even though this time you swear she should be proud

you find old candy in your brother's disregarded party bags
and eat them instantly
because if you don't
you know bigger hands will appear
begging for their share

and you have to share everything.
all of the time.