GENES IN MY CLOSET OF LIFE

Getting all handsome,
For Friday night festivities. 
I thoughtfully picked out,
My favorite slacks and shirt.

I stand by the mirror, 
Seeing how time aged me. 
I never was given genes, 
Where those passing by, turned heads.

All I see is an average guy, 
Nothing above the rest. 
I earned my extra weight, 
Rewarded by those extra servings.

They say my physique, 
Composed of hearty stock. 
Ones passed on to me, 
From generations prior.

My closet’s, a tight squeeze, 
With all the genes packed in. 
Yet, there’s always room, 
For another pair to squeeze in.

Mom’s family gifted me, 
Her gasping breaths and a racing heart. 
I haven’t tried on these genes, 
I haven’t found the right fit. 

Dad’s family gifted me, 
Extra sweet blood and poor filtering.
Of which fit me early on, 
Like a favorite pair of jeans.

Nor was I given genes, 
For health or longevity. 
Both sides gifted me, 
The heaviness of the big ‘C’.

I feel the stiffness of denim, 
The comforts of a starched shirt. 
It’s the hand‑me‑downs, 
I never asked for or wanted.

I step back, take one more look, 
At the man in the mirror. 
I’m all pressed and dressed, 
Ready to go on my way. 

It’s when I wake up with more pain, 
Then when I went to bed the night prior, 
I wonder how another pair of genes, 
Were gifted in to my crammed closet. 

I’m not ready to celebrate, 
But held a pity party for one. 
After all my friends are waiting, 
For whatever brings us joy. 

I’ve lived long enough to know, 
Not every thread is mine to mend. 
But its how I choose to wear them, 
For all my remaining days.