Family History

the algae of family history

creaks under the wooden

floorboards, accumulates

in the scaffolding that holds

up the tin roof, runs in zigzag

motions across peeling walls,

weigh down wooden pillars

that sag under the stress of

termites and ties, leaves wet

stains on cement floors that

generations have slept on,

causes locks and keys alike to

rust, attracts cicadas that sing

of a family's legacy, turns family

portraits yellow and dots them

with warmth and wise words,

as our hair turns ashen with age,

skin is crumpled or creased by

memory and teeth leap out of our

mouths, one for each truth we left

untold.