“Family”

Is not synonymous with bloodline

Often terms and values can be redefined

There’s no standard, but there is an American model

But for me, it was when I was chosen and coddled

The moment I felt love

Was when my dad encouraged me to pursue my dream

With words of wisdom and a little shove

He was always there with me, even when I would scream

The moment I felt acceptance

Was when my mom held me in her arms

She loved me endlessly, sometimes without independence

Always hugging me and kissing me in swarms

As an only child

With two loving parents, divorced

And two parents possibly still out there, running wild

My love for both has never been coerced

I know I was given up and given to love

Family for me is having that love and support

Teaching, guiding, and all the above

It’s my tiny, vague niche, my familial cohort