Manifold

“our bodies are cellular mongrels, teeming with cells from our mothers… grandparents and siblings.’”
— New Scientist, Nov 2003

Somewhere in me, my grandmother
longs for rebirth as a girl.

Somewhere in me, my grandfather
craves a chance to be heard.

Somewhere in me, my mother asks
fundamental questions about my life.

Somewhere in me, my divorced father
is unwillingly reunited with his wife.

Somewhere in me, my brother and sister
play as one in the stream of my blood.

Somewhere in me, my unborn twin
hungers for more than his share of food.

Somewhere in me, I find myself less
of a house, more of a neighbourhood.