I am alchemizing my ancestry.

I am called to rise above

the DNA

that spans a broken lineage

of weaponized wounds.

I found myself swimming in their ocean

but I am called to rise above.

Even when the waves crash in succession,

like they did on those before me.

Even when they come down harder than before–

I am called to rise above.

This is how you alchemize the ancestry that chained

your mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers,

and the greats before them.

I am alchemizing my ancestry.

I am called to rise above.