Jack Ellison Poet Quatrain

Each Generation Plants a Tree

Each generation plants a tree
The next one enjoys the shade
Seeds we plant in young people's minds
Are engraved and will never fade

So choose your path very carefully
They're watching your every step
You might think they're too distracted
Or they think you're old and inept

They're always watching how you react
Each move that you choose to make
Be careful the seeds you sow every day
Will grow with them, make no mistake

The burden is on us for each generation
To guide them and show them the way
Map out the route to a happy life
Don't let anyone lead them astray

There'll be mine fields galore along the way
Protect them with words and with deeds
They'll love you for caring and taking the time
Encourage them to follow your lead



© Jack Ellison 2012

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Laura Breidenthal December 17, 2022 at 9:35 PM Love the extended metaphor in this one. Amazing write-up! Always, Laura Jack Ellison December 18, 2022 at 7:41 AM Kissie, kissie, kissie got more where they came from! LOL XOX

Carol Eastman January 18, 2013 at 8:22 AM I love my kids greatly... but they planted the darn things upside down... I have to keep digging them out... for crying out loud!... ROTF... I think they did it on purpose, to watch me dig away! LOL Jack Ellison January 18, 2013 at 8:35 AM ROTFLMAO!!! I know exactly what you mean... had five kiddies! All growed up and long since moved out but can still stir things up!!!

Toquyen Harrell January 16, 2013 at 9:46 AM I like the idea that "each generation plants a tree". It has to be planted ahead of time for us all to enjoy it. And you are right about the young watching the old with every move. I found myself noticing how they do things and how they think about life. I do use their experiences even though I do discard some of them :) Great job, Jack! Jack Ellison January 18, 2013 at 6:46 AM Sorry I took so long to reply... been a bit under the weather! Didn't post a single poem yesterday, I think that's a first! Love and hugs, Jack xox

Mandy Tams The Golden Girl January 16, 2013 at 6:57 AM A true gem here Jack my friend a true gem xx Jack Ellison January 16, 2013 at 7:02 AM Thank you dear friend! Means a lot coming from you... hugs, Jack xox

Russell Sivey January 16, 2013 at 5:54 AM I bet you could lead a lot of us into happiness and joy my friend! You are a gentle and caring man, one that I admire not just for your extreme poetic talents but also for the awesome morals you possess! I really enjoyed reading this delightful and enlightening poem this morning, what a powerful and amazing piece, Great Work!! Jack Ellison January 16, 2013 at 6:21 AM This is so beautifully written, Russell! I am so touched by your comments and will read it to my wife Cathie when she gets up... thank you my dear friend!