Family History

I suppose everybody, at a certain age, Wishes they talked to parents more, Wished they learnt a few details of The many generations gone before. Oh I traced the family tree back Over two hundred and fifty years But it’s only bare recorded facts No inkling of their joys and fears. Obvious tragedies recorded In some very early deaths Some of them it seems Barely got to draw breaths. But, there are hints of scandals, Romances really gone wrong Yet somehow the family survived As the centuries went along. My beloved Great Grandad Remembered for his stern ways It seems was a bit of a lad In his much younger days. They seem to have come From many places far and near Yet somehow fate brought them To where I’m sitting here In the Village graveyard By an unmarked family mound Now almost disappeared Almost levelled with the ground. But, there’s a sense of peace Being in this peaceful place. Eyes closed I can recall Great Grandad’s laughing face, The Uncles Aunties and Cousins All there at my peaceful start, The many vagaries of my life Drove me and my family apart. I wish I’d talked with my parents Learned more family history The bare facts I’ve learned hint At many intriguing bits of mystery.