Family is A Dream

 Family is a dream I’ve never known
I’ve made my own in friendly faces and others’ homes. 

Brother is a word I wish I knew better
I wish brother meant more to me than just an “other.” 

Mother is a terrible curse; a word to infuriate.
I am too hurt and confused to find love with this one.

A step-father is a link hard to forge
A gap to cross, a reminder of loss

Grandparents dead and gone 
Empty shells, the fires burned out
Ashes left to haunt us of all the days lost. 

Uncles and Aunts? 
Faces seen twice a year so as to pretend a family whole
 and unbroken 
smiles painted on; polite nonsense words passed along
 with the turkey or ham
Tip-toeing around the family fuse; the powder kegs surround us
Whatever shall we do?

Shared blood and bone do not a family make. 
My family are those who won my heart
From lands afar or right next door
You are my heart’s home


You are my own.