Clean slate, we come into this world,

Nothing written on the pages of our lives

Like trees even before they’re pressed between our palms,

We are soft, angels they say,

 

But in our veins flood the messages from those before

Like branding irons, our parents passed on

Beyond our comprehension, traits, their choices,

They say genes remember…

 

Curses! Like Cain! Like Adam! Like me!

Shot by my life giver before my life began

Cursed by love, out of fear of her past

My genes do remember …

 

My sin calls curses out, stronger!

Truth is less audible in this noise

Of who’s right or wrong,

And whether I’m possessed or just maimed by fate.

 

My sin drowns Love’s calls;

Truth is less audible in this vision

Noosed round my neck by your loving hands

My genes do remember…

 

If not because of fate or makeup

Then by mere words spoken

Like knives, they draw out your blood in me

My genes will remember…

 

Seen only as a product of your choices

Cursed beyond even Christs’ blood

Whatever sins were hers to bear

I’m branded with, for life, to bear…

 

Oh yes, my genes will remember

If you let them, might remember

Christ’s blood louder calls

Louder than these curses and visions of me.