The spectrum of family is a wide one
Wide as open, loving extended arms.
When all is said and done.
Not only fathers and mothers
Not only sisters and brothers
There are fostered, adopted, steps and halves,
Outlaws and in-laws and many others.
How far extended can it be?
As far as it needs, for people to see
That family should be inclusive
Never exclusive
It should be an honour, a privilege
Not something elusive.
A family is a unit
Though often divided, not united,
Let's hope for the ideal, but accept the real
The reality is often fragility.
A single with a pet; the pet is the family
Perhaps more precious than any human
Who dares deny the bond or title of family?
Those with no living relatives
Have they truly no family?
Their family may be friends or neighbours
Whatever community they share
Whoever offers loving care.
Sometimes "real" family is distant
Geographically or emotionally
They bear the title
But don't fulfil the part.
For me, the family consists of
Those closest to the heart.
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