Family
Inexplicably bound
Shared history
traveling alongside each other
diverging from the clan
to seek ourselves
only to converge
and celebrate together
the pattern of human experience.
Shared euphoria and expectation
as the baby’s first breath
raises all to a higher place
gazing in wonderment
stirred to protect.
Shared humor.
Delight in the child’s laughter
and its infectious joy.
Clever wit volleyed with affection.
Stories fondly recounted
Shared congratulations and trust in the future
as lifelong commitments are declared
And promised before those who care.
Shared grief when one of our number is hurting
Giving expression to the depth of the connection,
The bind is not inevitable
nor guaranteed
by shared DNA
or tribalism.
It needs to be nurtured and cherished
For then
Its power to nourish
Is inexplicable.
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