My Heritage

inspired by "Heritage" by Linda Hogan, and the ISIers from '08:

From my father
  I've inherited my eyes -
  both their deep brown
  pools framed by long
  curling eyelashes
  as well as
  the way they see the world
  as an apple waiting
  to be picked from
  the tree of opportunity
  if only I climb high enough.

From my mother
  I've inherited my
  most and least
  favorite traits.
  I have trouble saying
  no
  when people want help
  but I'll say yes
  while swinging my
  big butt and
  wide birthing hips.

From my grandfather
  I've inherited
  my sense of humor,
  my ability to laugh
  'most anything off
  and my intense loyalty,
  or so I'm told... since
  he died
  years before I was born.

And from my grandmother,
  I've inherited
  my fertility,
  my comfort in a houseful of guests,
  a deep pride when I actually have time to
    clean my house
  and a book of family recipes
  for Lebanese food which
  lacks exact measurements
  and relies heavily on
  whim and the tongue's memory.

From my family, I've learned
  stories are there if you ask,
  memory fails but impressions remain,
  and
  growing beyond older generations'
    philosophies and habits is possible,
  but you'll still want to
    return home no matter
    how enlightened you feel.

(shitty first draft written 5/31/08)