To the Middle Child

I've always loved you best because

you drew a dumb spot and it made you stronger for it.

You cried less. . .Had more patience. . .Wore faded clothes. . .

And never in your life did anything "first"

But it only made you more special.

You were the one we relaxed with,

and realized a dog could kiss you and you wouldn't get sick. 

You could cross a street by yourself

long before you were old enough to get married. . .

And the world wouldn't come to an end

if you went to bed with dirty feet.

You were the child of our busy, ambitious years.

Without you, we would never have survived the job changes,

the house we couldn't afford,

and the tedium and the routine that is marriage.

You were the Continuance.