Heritage

I write this in tribute

to my father

who overcame tragedy

and loss

to live a full rich life

to my grandfathers

who overcame suffering and strife

to live rich lives

though cut short

too short

and to myself

who, outwardly privileged

and stable

have undergone my own painful battles

inner and personal

but move on to the light

and the places of peace and joy

made available to us by Chance.

and to the mothers who made me

and my father and my grandfather.

One broken

all hardworking and hardworked

they kept the fire of life burning

in themselves

and in those they gave birth to,

raised, and loved.

To them all, and to myself

I pay tribute,

and to Fate I give my thanks

to have the privilege of experiencing life.