Poetry Archive

Genetically Bound

His absence stings of salt water and cigarettes
Memories of my childhood, of dry humor and spontaneity, with tidal waves of emotion
My father spent his life looking at the chip on his shoulder with fresh eyes and an unbridled enthusiasm for his point of view
I inadvertently learned a lot about myself, seeing him peel through the layers of his life and how he challenged the world around him
Every day was a peculiar adventure that I could never quite prepare myself for
I learned how to ride that wave and when to dig my heels in
I learned what was valuable to me and what deserves protection
I grew tough skin and an unbreakable core
Most importantly, I grew empathy for those who go through life nursing their wounds from severed bonds

His absence stings of salt water and cigarettes
Memories of my childhood, of dry humor and spontaneity, with tidal waves of emotion

He showed me the currency of our relationships is how we treat others and that where there’s a deficit there is brokenness
I learned the importance of healing and self-preservation
I learned that love could be complicated and questionable
My experience with my father liberated me from the notion that life and love was easy and had a fairytale ending
We are complex beings that yearn for love and understanding, anyways 

His absence stings of salt water and cigarettes
Memories of my childhood, of dry humor and spontaneity, with tidal waves of emotion


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Filed under: Poetry Archive

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Kemi Ducasse is a Writer and Artist that believes in the power of Art to alchemize emotions for deep-healing and self-discovery. Writing is the first form of creating that essentially gave her a voice and a place to belong. In her work, she engages ancestral and familial wounds, relationships, emotions, being embodied, and introspective self-examination. Currently, her practice has broadened in medium to include exploration through textile, sculpture, and other artisan practices. Kemi is of Haitian roots, from Miami, Florida and currently living in Los Angeles, California.