Who Your Ancestors Were

No one really wants to know
What their ancestors were like,
Anymore than the holders

Of raffle tickets for some
Coveted prize really want
To check the winning numbers.

People cherry pick, of course,
Stress the ancestors they like
Or think would impress others,

Imagine admirable forbears,
Fantasize those early lives,
Find a line to emphasize.

But getting one number right
Means you that you can’t claim the prize.