at least, they died in order

my family consisted of a father, mother, brother, and sister
my father was oldest
and therofore died first
(nice of him, don't you think?)

my mother (considerably younger)
waited until i had my second child
(perhaps a thought of replacement, replenishment?)
before she gave it up

my brother
didn't think
it was over
he had a young Beagle

and my sister
one year
into retirement
just disappeared

i will continue
until i cease
the last one standing
in perfect order
of age
in perfect order
of incompetence