Family.

What is implied

in that one word?

It would seem

the world

stakes a lot

in it.

That it is

the all-encompasing.

The all-solving.

The Holy Grail.

The saving grace. 

But that is not

all there is to it.

That is not all

true. 

Families are 

dysfunctional.

Families are 

crazy.

All families are

different.

Some families are not

supportive.

Some are not

filled with love.

We should not be expected,

by society,

to love completely 

all the members of our family

and to forgive everything.

Some things are unforgivable.

That's just the way it is.

We can feel compassion and

understanding.

But we don't have to 

forgive.

If it breaks our heart 

and person

to do so, 

it is time to stop.

To breathe.

And to move on.