Inheritage

Rachel Riebe

More than what was passed down
(chest of drawers, farmhouse painted white)

we inherit what we cannot change
length and structure of our bones

the way our pointer fingers twist
dip of the nose, certain gait

indicative of somebody before us
a history in tandem parts

that came together in the darkness
arms, ribs, beating heart

these cells in endless chains
weaving over, under

until our life was formed
already predetermined

Now we hold the keys. The house. The furniture.
The probability for twins, or cancer.