Heredity

I have nails bitten down to the skin

I have arms scratched until they bleed

I have a frown, settled on my face

and a fog that covers my eyes

I have restless legs and I would cry screaming

if I try to stay still until they rest

I have a chest closed in

and a back bent like a convex

trying to protect my heart

that carries the pain of years

and generations

I have a body made from fear

and a head full of worry

I have all my mothers to thank

for that, they shouldered all that they have

to bring me out in this world so loud and scary

that my body is weary

from pretending to stand still

and smile

to have my chest up and open

like I am brave enough to love and live

but meanwhile

my head is full, my head is heavy

my nails and my skin are bleeding

my face is drawn into so many little areas of worry

and my eyes are hiding a pain my shoulders can no longer carry.