Blood is Thicker Than Water by Tiffany Snow

Blood is thicker than water,

But that doesn't mean you have to stab me to prove that.

Are you going to let me bleed to my death in order for me to see that?

A comforting cradle today,

Then a trigger that pushes me away

Sweet words spoken while I'm asleep

But deep inside your blood boils in a fiery heat

Don't live for me, but don't live for yourself,

Spread your wings baby girl,

but always remember I own one of them

You're nothing until I can see your worth

When will that be?

They say don't bite the hand that feeds you

Must I continue to feast from the hand that poisons me?

I want to be free, I just want you to see

You've caused enough damage

And now it's time for me to be

I'm but a twig, a delicate twig

Trying to develop bark,

To be protected from the elements

You hover your foot over my feeble body

You have the power to break me

But what will you gain?

Is having the last laugh really worth all this pain?

They say blood is thicker than water,

But I already know that.

I won't let you twist the knife just to show that

I wish you nothing but peace

But now I shall find my own

Just know that in life, to be living means you must have grown.

“Blood is Thicker Than Water” is an original poem by Tiffany Snow that explores the painful complexity of a strained relationship between a afro-caribbean mother and daughter. The poem challenges the traditional meaning of familial loyalty, questioning whether shared blood justifies emotional harm. The daughter reflects on growing up under a mother whose love feels conditional; nurturing at times, yet controlling, critical, and wounding beneath the surface.

Through powerful metaphors of stabbing, poisoning, and a fragile twig developing bark, the speaker expresses the emotional damage caused by manipulation and suppressed individuality. She struggles with the expectation to remain loyal and grateful while feeling diminished and confined. Ultimately, the poem becomes a declaration of self-liberation. The daughter chooses growth over guilt, independence over control, and healing over inherited pain, asserting that true living requires personal growth, even if it means redefining what family means.