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.