My Ancestral Roots

Adam and Eve is where my tree starts
with Noah's son Japheth leaving his mark
spreading his DNA seed all over Europe
his lineage from long ago quickly passing the buck,

Ireland, Wales and Germany my family sprang
with Ireland the dominant one in our veins
coming to America because of the potato famine
a blessing in disguise for a new beginning,

Arriving in Ellis Island they passed the test
settling in Brooklyn where they made their nest
becoming printers, policemen and plumbers they tried their best
no longer poor but middle class like the rest,

Eventually they moved a little further out
tired of city life they wanted a new route
moving to the suburbs in Queens and Valley Stream
wanting nothing more than the American dream,

Handing down traditions like drinking hot tea
saying "gesundheit!" when somebody sneezes
with sayings like "a little hard work never killed anyone!"
and having faith in God and having a little fun.


6-1-17
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Makama Avatar
July 22, 2017 at 11:49 AM
well crafted into an eye-romancing beauty... Your lines and words are just lovely... Its nice visiting one of your pages again..
Hoffman Avatar
July 22, 2017 at 8:02 PM
Thanks so much for very kind comment and visit Funom; appreciate it!~Che :)
Nehls Avatar
June 29, 2017 at 8:21 AM
Hi Cheryl. I enjoyed this poem of your ancestral roots and another great story of the great American dream. We are truly blessed and have roots in Ireland myself. My mother's maiden name was O'Niell. Thanks for sharing this one. .... Robert.
Hoffman Avatar
June 29, 2017 at 9:10 AM
O'Niell…thats a fine Irish name! Thanks so much for very kind comment and visit Robert~glad you liked my poem!~Che :)
Hamilton Avatar
June 14, 2017 at 9:19 AM
Really nice work on this piece Cheryl, the only one who mentioned Adam and Eve, and then Japheth, the father of Europeans, really we are one big family tree! Congrats on a fine win!
Hoffman Avatar
June 14, 2017 at 9:24 AM
Thanks so much for very kind comment and placing me as one of your contest winners John; much appreciate it!~Che :)
Robinson Jr. Avatar
June 9, 2017 at 12:32 PM
This wonderful poem made me smile so much, Cheryl. Appreciate the knowledge of your genealogy. It always makes you feel proud to know your heritage. Beautiful write, dear. Love and hugs.
Hoffman Avatar
June 9, 2017 at 6:58 PM
Thanks so much for very kind comment and visit Freddie; wish I knew more about my roots but its kind of sketchy…Much appreciate it!~Peace & love Che :)
Hauser  Avatar
June 7, 2017 at 8:13 AM
So thoughtful..very nice my friend.
Hoffman Avatar
June 7, 2017 at 8:23 AM
Thanks so much for very kind comment and visit Mike; appreciate it!~Che :)
Rodrigues Avatar
June 1, 2017 at 10:25 PM
Enjoyed your ink, Cheryl! Love how you started with Adam and Eve...so clever! GL in contest!
Hoffman Avatar
June 2, 2017 at 7:19 AM
Thanks so much for very kind comment and visit Kim; I feel like Adam & Eve started it all so had to include them lol!~Che :)
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