Gloria, My Little Sister   by Russell Hoban   Gloria, my little sister - Well, I guess I would have missed her If there hadn't ever been a Gloria, my little sister . She's the one they all like better, She's the one that gets the most. When she stays up late they let her Make a mess with cinnamon toast. I get spanked if I just twist her Arm, that little Gloria sister. Still, I guess I would have missed her. No one ever thinks she's tricky. She spilled honey on the floor- Mother found me very sticky. Gloria was out the door. When I caught her no one hit her. I got spanked because I bit her Ear, that little Gloria sister. Still, I guess I would have missed her. She can hardly throw a ball, She can't ever catch at all. Father said that I was mean When my ball went through the screen Door because she stepped aside. Mother kissed her when she cried. I was sorry that I missed her, Gloria, my little sister. Brothers would have been all right. Brothers help you in a fight, Brothers put your bait on hooks, Brothers lend you comic books. Why can't fathers, why can't mothers Give us large and useful brothers? Still, I guess I would have missed her, Gloria, my little sister.