Family Tree

Looking past and long ago
trails of names come trickling down
down they come
through the annals of time
their names defined
neatly arranged, in staggered lines.

Forgotten lists of greats and grands
silent, as their memories stand
in the past, immortal bands.

Family trees are carefully writ
down into the logs they go
mothers, fathers reap and sow
bearing children, they bestow
offspring issued in straight rows.

Trailing down to you and I
here we love, we laugh, we cry
living, breathing, this our lives
mortal we, until we die
adding to the rows inscribed.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Springer Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 5:38 AM
After Lincoln died, his secretary of war said "Now he belongs to the ages". This poem reminds me of the transition from our lives to a notation of organized names. Thanks for the poem
Leiser Avatar
October 4, 2024 at 6:28 AM
Thank you, Mark! :)
Wolf Avatar
September 14, 2024 at 7:22 PM
A moving description of what the family tree is about, Laura -- nourishment flowing in both directions, from the roots up to the branches and back down again. :) Gershon
Leiser Avatar
September 15, 2024 at 7:55 AM
Thank you for stopping by to comment, Gershon. Glad you enjoyed this! :)
Rodgers Avatar
September 9, 2024 at 6:31 AM
Dear Laura, I love a great family tree that speaks to names that have brought us to today. You have inked it so well into a Gem, and I often think that my wife and I need to continue to document that tree with stories that hopefully will unfold in time and generations. An excellent read! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Leiser Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 3:22 PM
I recently read stories from my mom’s generational history which were so interesting! It inspired me to write this poem. Thanks always for your kind and supportive comments, Daniel! :)
Onclaud Avatar
September 8, 2024 at 6:32 PM
Laura! how nice to connect with an old, sweet soupie friend and read this charming poesy about the dynamics of a generational tree ! Isn't this a double treat? you always amaze...huggs
Leiser Avatar
September 12, 2024 at 3:20 PM
Thank you for stopping by, Nette! I’m happy you liked this one! :)
Kauffman Avatar
August 23, 2024 at 12:37 PM
Hi Laura! I am so happy I found this poetic gem today. Genealogy can tell us so much about ourselves but, as you point out, we can't hear our ancestors laugh or see them smile, hear their voices or their thoughts. We see the work of their hands and wonder! I love this poem. Sending you blessings of summer joy!
Leiser Avatar
September 1, 2024 at 6:55 PM
Thank you, Sam, for your kind and encouraging comments! You are such a gem! Hugs! :)
Allison Avatar
August 20, 2024 at 12:25 PM
its fascinating research doing one's family tree, my maternal grandfather wrote the family tree dating back to about 1790 if not earlier. hugs Jan xx
Leiser Avatar
August 20, 2024 at 6:58 PM
Thanks for stopping by to comment, Jan! I hope all is well with you!
Rodrigues Avatar
August 20, 2024 at 11:49 AM
Great one, both sad and profound. Each life lived and then forgotten, but not by God. We should stop and think and be the best of our line.
Leiser Avatar
August 20, 2024 at 6:56 PM
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Kim! Ive been thinking a lot about family lately, especially since my sister died in June.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace