The Fruit Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree
In Your Bones, Poem 4
“…but let’s hope that’s not true. Let me pick which parts or how far to fall…”
The inspiration for this poem…
Yes, this is written ‘tongue in cheek’, but who hasn’t wondered if they inherited a certain tendency or could maybe avoid one? How amazing would it be if we could choose the traits we inherit?! Yikes! While millions of us seek to find out what kind of stock we come from, the truth is that we will probably never get to pick and choose from the pieces of DNA that we would like (although, maybe I shouldn’t speak too soon or wish too hard!). However, it is quite the idea with which to let your imagination run wild. It is a great way to question what traits you may have to be on the lookout for, but also, to see what treasures may have been passed on to you. Whatever the outcome of our imaginings there’s a lot to be said for knowing what and where we came from and how we will work with what we’ve got. It’s all about becoming who we are now, and what we might pass on, both by blood and by choice.
Writing/Meditation Prompts:
Now’s your chance to fantasize about what you inherited, or what you may have avoided. Toy with engineering your own fate. What fruits fell ‘close to the tree’ for you and which did not. Imagine if you could have some control over it…
What have you gladly inherited? What have you not? Is there something you wish you had more or less of?
Can you play around with making those thoughts funny, ironic, morose, etc.? That is something we have control of in writing and can lead to amazing insights!
If you have relatives who are younger than you, what would you say to them about how you are all connected?
Is there anyone you want or need to share this with? Keep in mind that when you reread your writing you are sharing it with yourself, again.