Forged in Tradition
History is important, but not my destiny.
Forged in Tradition
__________________
Is my legacy defined
by generations of toxicity?
Do traditions flow through my blood,
requiring my pledge?
***
Who am I? Pieces of me?
Or only an extension of you?
Who gets to choose?
Can’t I be loved, despite my say?
***
If I refuse, where do I go?
I beg, please, speak to me
in heartfelt honesty -
or are you burdened by the truth?
***
Do I disappoint the ancestors?
Is the next generation important?
Who gets to decide their fate?
I think it shall not be you.
Thank you for reading! Do you believe in the impacts of Generations Trauma?
About the Creator
KJ Aartila
A writer of words in northern WI with a small family and a large menagerie.
My Substack
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Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
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Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
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Reaching Out
I promise her. I'd do anything for her. She's my mom. Even as Lanie and Deanna are flying home, Mom is scrappy fighting dying. She lays too still in that too-big bed with all the toasty white hospital blankets, in the south tower, at the broad end of a long slow-turning corner that delivers me again to her private room with the view she can't see through, with the beeping that tells us nothing new, and all these ice chips she can't swallow, and a flood of well-intentioned nurses who cannot do a damned thing all the same.
By Christy Munson3 days ago in Fiction
Comments (4)
A wonderful poem really enjoyed this. Great observations on expectations that can sometimes be diffcult to meet.
What a thoughtful piece. I read it through several times to really let the meaning sink in. Lovely work!
Yes I do agree, and can somewhat relate. Powerful piece.
Oh this hits hard. Both my husband and myself have had such family strife over the years, but we've both agreed that we made a new family, and we need to put our children first. Generational trauma is sadly alive and well. Great writing!