These Jeans Do Well

My grandmother’s expression

Shown through her hands

My father’s habit

Of fitting in too many plans

My sister’s sass

My brother’s mystery

Scars and strength

Filtered down

From a refugee history

My mother’s eyes

And ability to connect

My cousin’s approach

To love and live without regret

Our pagan leaves

And celtic vines

Of traditions and mannerisms

Intertwined

When I am missing my family

Or need their energy—to get through the day

I place my hands gently in my pockets

And am reminded—they are in my DNA

Thinking of everything we’ve experienced

Contributed and withstood

Turns out our jeans

Are actually pretty good