2023

I bought a house.
It was by the Grace.
I care for my family, I promised them they would die here.
Not in a cold room, not surrounded by strangers.

I have a brother.
Or so blood dictated.
He lives across the street where my family, not I, wanted to be.
The chasm might as well be miles though its feet.
Nothing but feet.
I don't understand how this came to me but it did.
I paid back my debts and I gave my word.

I will never have a family.
I havent had sex in years.
But my family is safe.
My family is warm.

My parents will look into my eyes as they slip away.
My tears will mingle with our fingers as we hold hands.

I would rather this than any other outcome.

I used to think the moon told me secrets
how the future was bright and the future was mine.

I never had a chance.
The world laughed at my optimism.

This is violence
This is unknown violence.

I don't look like I thought I would
I don't have half of what I wanted.
But my family is safe,
the ones who gave me life are warm.

This was the destination after all.

I feel empty.
But my family is warm.