Inheritance

From my father:
a sour stomach, a slight shyness, a broad nose
and a narrow sense of humor
a proclivity for vices
secrecy, solitude
a workhorse work ethic
and the gift of being the tallest person in the room

From my mother:
myopia, hysterics,
a lightning laugh, louder than the boom of thunder
generosity, rebellion, the unrelenting need
of caffeine and nicotine
Big in the hips, eyes, and lips
hair that breaks the teeth of combs
and takes hostages in its tendrils
And an anger you would never guess from quick hands
Hiding underneath velvet skin

photo via pixabay