Family

And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:31-35

We share blood coursing
through our veins and DNA
we share characteristics and accents
old stories and grainy photos
occasional meals, rare phone calls
the normal rhythm of relations
knowing each others so well we forget.

We have live closely together
and far apart separated by mountains
time zones, sibling rivalry
and feelings bent out of shape
over years of practice.

We are blood and yet blood can be spilt
blood can be tainted and poisoned and infected.
We can be family and strangers
nearby and lonesome for a family table
aching not to eat alone.

We can make families of water and laughter
friends who are willing to undergo the same baptism
sibling willing to be bent by following
companions who are gathered at the same table
silently made one family by water and spirit
permanently bonded together by love offered freely.