Feet to Feet
Forget DNA, mitochondrial or otherwise
When first I met my birth-mother
After a few hours of chatting like old friends
We both lay on her bed, staring down
At our pudgy bare feet, hers and mine
We had just been going to take a nap
But now we were giggling and amazed
For if ever there was any proof more
Convincing than these fat feet at the end
Of our legs, hers and mine, I cannot
Think what it could be – chubby feet
Incongruous at the end of fairly long legs;
My husband always maintained they were
Just more leg turned up with nails painted
On the end and here were another pair
Just like them – hah! It was in my genes
Not abnormal, just inherited ...
Isn't it funny (and amazing) the things we inherit? My kids got the same little crooked pinkies that I have. Lovely poem!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful poem. I like how you concentrated on the moment that gave that "connection". Who would have known feet could be the epiphany. Touching with a bit a humor. Love it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful memory!
ReplyDeleteFeet in common - good imagery!
ReplyDeleteWonderful - perfectly captures the delight in recognizing shared familial traits. I think it's comforting too, and helps us feel less alone in the world.
ReplyDeleteA good connection. So much more personal than freckles or thin brown hair.
ReplyDeleteI have short, chubby feet--incongruous with the rest of me. The one physical connection I shared with my grandmother. This is a delightful poem.
ReplyDelete