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Mom said her brother Arnie was the smart one 
grandma’s angel who could do no wrong
sister Ellen was a student disappointment 
hair-brush punishment
she couldn’t compete in the class room.
Mom was cute with curly hair
but she strayed foolishly
she chose the wrong husband
and learned Biblical caution.
Ellen was shocked with electricity
to soothe her nerves 
later without her father’s guidance
she quit altogether.
Arnie was a pariah because of his wife Vivian 
liberal Presbyterians 
Vivian stayed with Uncle Arnie 
who remained bi-polar to the end.
Mom never complained 
she liked fun more than anything and
adversity wasn’t in her blood.