Determined Genetics

What makes us!

I can’t account for the pain,

the anxiety I have no explanation for.

 

Our upbringing determines us,

on top of our inherited DNA.

 

We live our lives according to

the instincts bred into us,

 

according to what we have learned

from our experiences,

 

and the innate chromosome signatures

carved deep within us,

 

spell out to the world

just who we are.

 

05/10/23

Reviews

[carl]

because of my own beliefs, I'm glad you included both sides of the coin of our makeup - Teeter totter conversations I've had with loved ones seem to be tipped towards genetics and away from experience. I see no way either can be ignored in determining who we are. These lines seem to capture it completely for me "We live our lives according to the instincts bred into us, according to what we have learned..." thanks for the post - enjoyed the read -carl

from our experiences,

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes I think that makes sense. Many thanks Carl.

[NormaZ]

Ow, I just love sciencey poems! Love the simplicity, but the complexity of your poem. I often think of how we are all unique. We are all different, including identical twins, who have the same DNA, but have different life experiences, so they are unique too. Nice job!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I have written a few 'sciency' poems lol I am facinated by science and space etc. Many thanks Norma.

[DIVYA]

Dear John,
You've pin-pointed a very deep truth about us. The play of genetics is so profound and so pronounced. Just as you, I have pondered on it quite a bit. I'm a clone of my father, except for the difference in sexes. All the leanings, inclinations, idiosyncrasies, we're clones. Thank you for this very thoughtful poem.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

And me, my Father and my mother. Thankfully my mother's DNA has added a bit of softness lol. Many thank yous Divya, I have mised you and the other poets I followed. So nice to see many are still here.

[DIVYA]

Yes, a lot of poets are still here. Its a blessing.

[John the Baptist]

Very interesting look at what makes us what we are. I wonder, though, if we are imprisoned by the things you mention in the poem. There are those who have risen beyond the determinants, have conquered despite the negative prognosticators of DNA and environment.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Aye that is true but most largly conform to type me thinks. Other influences are of course those around us and our path through life. many thanks for looking in JTB.