Half-breed hybrid
This strange amalgamation of genetic soup
Bestowed without permission
But still grateful for the contribution
Animals reside within me
Lizard suns herself on rocks
soaking in the hot sun
Snake winds herself along desert dunes
To curl around sky-scraping cedars
My birthright denied
Barred from belonging
Desert, waterfalls, language
Unknown to me
Yet embedded in dna
Strands of ancestors comprise my double helix
Bedouin, starlight threads
Within my tapestry
Our lineage thrives in Bekaa valley
Devoted attendees to gnarled trees of life
Heavy with fruit
My soul is nourished
By fig and apricot orchards
Olive oil runs in my blood
Golden capillaries, viscous vitality
To claim culture for oneself
Is a tricky endeavour
(Start with food, it’s easiest)
Access heart via stomach
Grape leaf rolls
Green beans with cinnamon
Next, learn words
Give them a home
Names are powerful
My beautiful dog Bashir
Means ‘bringer of good news’
I recall him with ta instead of come
Pull him close to scratch his ears
My habibi
A gentle start to grow roots
My inheritance
On my terms
About the Creator
Aspen Marie
In love with life and all of its foibles.
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More stories from Aspen Marie and writers in Poets and other communities.
Blessed 33
So I woke up on the morning of February 5, 2026 and guess what and you know what I realized? It’s my 33rd birthday. Do you know what that means? Yes, technically I’m getting old, but what I couldn’t have guessed was this would be one of the best days of my life.
By Joe Pattersona day ago in Confessions
Comments (2)
Awww, your dog seems so adorable. Loved your poem!
This was so beautiful! I love how you wove food, memory, and language together to explore identity.💖