Hope for the worst and you
Just might find the best
Or maybe something close
To something tolerable.
Just don’t hold your breath

Hold your breath when you go in
for a hug in case they smell
or so you have air to expel
when they squeeze you too hard.
You don’t want to pass out.

You’ll want to pass out
After only a few moments
But think of other things and
Paste a smile on your face
So you don’t hurt anyone’s feelings

You’ll want to hurt their feelings
So they won’t keep coming
Back. You just want to be free
From incessant nagging and spit-flinging
Criticism. This is not the family you want.

This is the family you want
Because it’s the only one you’ve got
So suck it up and see it
Through because one day you
Just might realize you need them.