ON BECOMING AND BELONGING TO FAMILY

I cried today, not once but twice,
Much like a creek flowing slowly.
I bowed my head into my hands,
With no words to say, only thoughts.

I dwelled on the weight of my world,
Tears rolled down my unshaven face.
Thoughts of no family close by,
An only child, I’m alone.

Growing up I always saw my friends,
With large extended families.
Wondering what it would be like,
Having siblings and grandparents.


My blood family is distant,
Some were near only in distance.
A few forged family close bonds,
Others were strangers crossing paths.

My parents shared their memories,

Of those left behind the iron curtain.
We met only in recent years,
Once the divide just disappeared.

With each year quickly passing by,
No words to say, phones sat silent.
When time together slipped away,
Arranging visits grew harder.

Feeling less like a family,
More like long lost acquaintances.
I questioned what is family,
As it’s not just shared blood lineage.

I was welcomed with open arms,
By my closest circle of friends.
In a few years, they have become,
Nothing less than chosen family.

Newly framed family photos,
Reveal my brothers and sisters.
Also, aunts, cousins and uncles,
Grandmothers and grandfathers too!

I cried today, not once but twice,
Like a rapid raging river.
Sensing I’m no longer alone.
I raise my head high now, I’m blessed.