Chromosomes

Chromosomes

When I was a child
they told me you
were an intelligent man
but not kind
and that our eyes are the same.

In time I grew to fear my hands
would also become like yours:
harsh against those
that I was only ever meant
to be gentle with.

I grew and waited
to see if it would be
nature or nurture
that would decide
who i would become.

But realization came with
the knowledge that while
I am one part you
and also one part her,
I am only me.

I am not my genetics
and I am not my upbringing
(Though there are worse things I could become).
it is not those things
that determine my identity.