Family

A Poem by Chris Bunton

What is family?
I’ll tell you what I think.

Family is a bunch of people,
you are tied to for life.

Whether you like it or not.
They are there, and share it.

Even if they hate you,
they bear the title and stains.

Whether it’s your child,
Or mom, or uncle, or dad.

There’s a place in your life,
where they exist and judge you.

You might be required,
to accept them, or guilted to.

You might hate them,
but there they are in name.

They might hold you back,
and keep you down in shame.

They might be a place of guilt,
pain and regret of deeds done.

An unfinished train wreck,
that floods your memory of them.

If you’re lucky your people,
are a joy to be with and love.

But for many of us,
Family is a required pain we hold.