Pride and Petulance

  
family
grounded in
roots,
love,
shared stories,
this one
heartbreaking
because it is true:
a family torn
asunder by
petulant
offshoots,
self-serving
jealousies.

pride,
malignancy
masquerading as
balm,
soothing,
perpetually
bandaging wounds
that we refuse
to let mend
seeking
retribution in
place of healing.