I Am That Estranged, Weird Aunt
that relative with too many plants
and music your parents don’t listen to
who is rarely at the family gatherings
but always sends you love on your birthday
that relative that they call “different” or “troubled”
with a multi-colored flag and a weird, earthy smell at their house
who seems to speak in fortune cookie, declaring
it takes courage to be yourself and
you can always come to me when you’re scared
that relative with eclectic hobbies
like collaging and beadwork and making jambalaya
who has pets that live indoors but
caretakes the creatures who live in the trees
i find that i am accidentally that estranged, weird aunt
because i was also that observant, curious, isolated kid
who needed a relative like me, a model to show
that you can be who you are someday and still survive it
7 thoughts on "I Am That Estranged, Weird Aunt"
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Your nieces and nephews are lucky to have you! Keep being that aunt
This is awesome! More power to the estranged, weird aunt! Those nieces and nephews are so lucky. 💜
Phenomenal.
I want to learn the ways of beads and compare jambalaya cooking ideas!
Cheers to you for living true to yourself. And sharing that in such a skillful poem.
Oh, aunt, may you continue to bless those with your wonderful weirdness whether they be family, friends, or strangers.
Love a person who”seems to speak in fortune cookie.”
So much truth and authenticity. I totally relate to this poem because I too am the estranged aunt who my family doesn’t understand, doesn’t want to understand.
But you have grown in your own way and beautifully. This poem tells us you’re secure in your own identity and abilities. What a wonderful poem! Thank you for sharing
Love the honesty and perception in this poem!
Love his and the end hits strong: “that you can be who you are someday and still survive it”