Some are so sweet, you feel blessed
some are so fake, you feel stressed
some shower you with love
others pretend to smile, to love
to sabotage our lives
to see us fall or catch us by surprise
We are glad to meet some of them
while dread others and the mayhem
they cause just by their hurtful words
or just by their presence in herds
they keep testing your patience
until they are put in their place
and told what’s right because
even after growing up, they are at a loss
failing to understand basic courtesy
common sense and decency
Sadly, you can’t choose them
but surely you can learn to live with them
respond in kind always
love with warmer love
spite with gentle reprimanding
it ain’t easy to stay on good terms
with those who are out to ruin your dreams
Show no tolerance for disrespect from anyone
Become a Biden for your own family and fire everyone
who breaks this code of conduct
to treat each other with respect
regardless of their education
or choice of profession
Relatives are your lot forever
it’d be best to make the ride better
with love and support for each other.
-Julian Joseph