by Jonathan Hunter-Kilmer
a family is chosen
not obliged by birth
or law
we do not hurt each other
on purpose
nor do gnaw
on bonds that can't be snapped
or stretched
I ran away from mine
but I can choose those
who by birth
are here by will divine
a child is not a servant
slave
bound until legal age
compels the parents to let go
or not
and close the cage
adults are servants to a child
until no longer need
the body frail
or mind to quail
the older intercede
You make the rules
I teach them
and
at best
show them the way
Your blood
and mine
will ease their path
if they have learned to pray
and ask You for the things
You know they really ought to need
so when
they have their children
they'll know
Who
will intercede