Some of the members of my family
I only associate with to get to
The younger ones who have no choice
On their ability to stay in touch
Only to die inside because they're underage
All due to their guardians' choices
Made from paranoia, jealousy and spite
My grandparents each betrayed me
On all sides, one set at a time
One grandma tried to take me from my mother
One grandpa disowned me because he didn't get his way
My other grandparents decided that they
Didn't want to be a part of my life
Since I wasn't born the way they wanted
My aunt insulted my religion
And called me an evil spawn of Satan
Though her words were 'put nicely'
Two other aunts twisted my words to help the grandma
That sides' uncle at least stayed neutral
My other uncle constantly talks down to me
Derision coating words of males needing to control the house
Any 1st, 2nd or 3rd cousins I may have
Over the age of 18, whether far or near
Keep to themselves, ever the secretive
But honestly, I can't really blame them
I used to wonder why they always
Declined events, or kept things hush hush
Until this most recent falling out of mine
Realizing the fact I would never speak
To half of the people I currently do
Had they not been blood related
It feels like all of the MIA members
May have been on to something
That I am only now getting the hint
Glad to join them in their seclusion
I miss the older generation
The one that runs 9 strong and knew
How to put the Lovin' in family
The one that held a 'tough as nails' lady
That would scold you, but always had a shoulder to lean on
I miss the ones that kept their opinions full of knowledge
And simply lent a hand when you needed 3
I refuse to be treated like this still
Blood means little in the way of things
Others taught me just what it's supposed to feel like, to be like
Grandparents who never bothered to keep in touch?
My God Parents tell us everytime repeatedly
That we are the loves of their life
And they are so glad they met us when they did
Grandma wanted to steal me away?
I found another soul who did everything
She possibly could, to keep us together
Grandpa wants to be in charge 24/7?
Abuelo took us under his wing and comes when we need
Even providing a home for a rescued kitten
When allergies wouldn't let us keep it ourselves
I don't need some DNA test to show
The people who love me do so willingly
They do so unconditionally, no matter if we fight
Though it makes me sad to look back
To see what it took to show me that
Blood isn't here....
Because it never wanted to be
Despite them being hypocritical jerks
I have grandparents who dote on me
Aunts that are affectionate, understanding
Weird uncles that show up to parties
Friends that I never have to hide in fear
And the freedom to grow and realize my potential
With them behind me every Step of the way
So I stay for my favorite cousins
For my nephew I still have yet to meet
I am also here for the children under my wings
The adults who have no one else to love
Always here with a smile, a hug, laughter
For anyone seeking refuge and guidance
We can get lost together, they won't be alone anymore
I'm not throwing any shade, quite the contrary
If I wasn't your time, you aren't worth my words
And I thrive in the shadows of the moon
Taking part in God's teachings of helping others
My mentor, going strong since the age of 7
If you recognize yourself in my beginning words
You are no longer vital to my happiness
Continue to blind yourself with
Words of ignorance instead of love
Ones that should have stayed in your mouth
While you learn how to replace entitlement with reality
Here's a split cheer to the one who abandoned me
And to the ones who found and loved me
Stay bright, thank you for changing my life