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)
