Family

In my family’s culture,

It is a tradition to let the boys inherit all

Because they are more than

Lowly women like me.

This is why my grandparents,

My extended family,

Celebrate my brother with smiles

And gifts,

Shower him with love and celebration

That will never be mine

Because of the way I was born,

A way that will never change.

I am defined,

Always,

As one thing to my grandmother

Which is why he is heralded precious

Why she cares about my brother

In a way that will never carry a candle

To my own.

Because of something I was born as,

He was born as, the first grandson,

I am but a daughter,

By tradition meant to make the sons

To run the world

Instead of being one who can.