The Agony of Genetics



Seeing you only steps from
the trip wire of death,
your bones weary, your heart weak,
I curse the secrets in roots.

I question my womb, angry at DNA
that bled agony into your flesh.
How could I know horror had a genetic code?

Too many nightmares leaf the family tree
for me to scissor a cure, but I won't stop
 trying to find a way to fix you.

©Susie Clevenger 2016

Studies are beginning to show trauma can be passed from one generation to another. Genetic Tags

Comments

Sherry Blue Sky said…
"How could I know that horror had a genetic code?" What a powerful line, and concept. Wow, no wonder some families, like mine, have such difficulty - generational trauma! Powerful writing, Susie.
June 7, 2016 at 10:45 AM
brudberg said…
This is devastating... and the song lyrics is so fitting... I have sang to it many times at concerts... You can never stop trying to fix it can you?
June 7, 2016 at 10:45 AM
Buddah Moskowitz said…
Powerful and stark. Great job.
June 7, 2016 at 12:00 PM
Kerry O'Connor said…
How could I know horror had a genetic code?

How can any of us know what flaws we are passing along in our DNA? It seems to me to be the biggest gamble of one's life to have a child.
June 7, 2016 at 1:31 PM
Bekkie Sanchez said…
Profound words Susie!
June 8, 2016 at 9:52 AM
Stacie Eirich said…
Ahhh, Coldplay. A definite rainy day band -- a band I turn on when I need solitude, their chords and lyrics always wash over me in sadness. Ultimately, I feel a little healed by it, which is why I keep their albums on my playlist. Your words are indeed powerful and devastating. I hope you were healed by writing them. Thanks for sharing.
June 9, 2016 at 10:54 AM
Rommy said…
This is such a strong piece, vividly describing the anger and fear of knowing a disease runs in the family. Thankfully, the only thing that runs on my side seems to be a propensity for high cholesterol, but I'm managing it.
June 10, 2016 at 12:55 PM
ZQ said…
That was one of the "neatest" things I have read in a long time. Keep writing from wherever you are; at the pleasure of your readers! Good work!
ZQ
June 27, 2016 at 5:37 PM
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