Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

My Family Tree

Explorin' the branches of the family tree can be rather dicey.
Some ancestors could be famous, humdrum er downright spicy!
With bated breath I decided to take the risk and check around.
I wasn't all that enthralled about some of the dudes that I found!

Seems that in the distant past a member of my family strain,
Was a notorious pirate maraudin' the boundless Spanish Main!
Another was a nefarious cattle rustler ever on the vamoose,
'Til a posse tracked him down and left him danglin' from a noose!

One forebear, a scoundrel who specialized in robbin' trains,
Was ensconced fer life in a cozy cell, detained in clankin' chains!
A rowdy ancestor caused a ruckus in a Cripple Creek saloon;
The high sheriff done him in one fateful August afternoon!

My lineage included a business lady of whom I proudly spoke,
'Til it was revealed she was a soiled dove, dismayin' this poor bloke!
My great-grandpa was caught dispensin' jugs of potent 'shine!
Revenooers busted him resultin' in a term in jail and a hefty fine!

A distant uncle was a goon in a notorious gangster mob.
He met his Maker heistin' a bank they were tryin' to rob!
I proffered a prayer as I examined my tragic family tree:
"Lord, may a sturdy twig adorn this tree and let it begin with me!"

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(c) All Rights Reserved

Entry for Judy Konos' "Relatives" Contest

♡Like0

Share 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

Timothy Hicks November 3, 2014 at 5:33 PM This was a hoot, Bob! I'm sure you'll be a sturdy branch, full of leaves and birdhouses. You know I used to go on Ancestry quite a bit and found out that I was related to an Indian chief named Cornfield. I went even farther back - clear to the 1200s - and found that my family name goes clear back to a lineage of knights! Not sure how accurate that is, but it makes for an interesting story.

Dr.Ram Mehta February 9, 2014 at 7:40 AM Very interesting theme and nice take on it. congrats on the win, bob

Joyce Johnson February 8, 2014 at 11:11 AM I know you'e just kidding us. You obviously came from sturdy stock. Congratulations. Love, Joyce

Roy Jerden February 8, 2014 at 9:33 AM I see you cranked out a new one for this contest, Robert (one of the few). I think we might be related, based on the colorful ancestry in your poem. Congratulations!

Kayod5 Kayode February 7, 2014 at 12:01 AM You've done it bob h , congrats on your winning with this unbeatable work,I read,read and re-read; Robert you are too much.

Nette Onclaud January 27, 2014 at 2:24 PM robert, what a saga filled with your unique brand of humor... good thing you are sane, hahah!.. much enjoyed!.. huggs

Barbara Gorelick January 26, 2014 at 6:36 PM I kinda wish this were true! How exciting...lol. another gem...BG

Toquyen Harrell January 26, 2014 at 5:53 PM Haha, I love this one, Bob. It may - start with you :) Sure it was spicy and out there but it is not uninteresting. Funny write :))

Ilene Bauer January 26, 2014 at 5:03 PM ha! i love your sense of humor, bob, and in this poem, it absolutely sparkles! i so enjoyed this one...

Jack Horne January 26, 2014 at 2:56 PM lol, thanks for another good chuckle here, Bob. Glad to hear you're both well : )

Carol Eastman January 26, 2014 at 12:25 PM Wow! You're lucky to be here! One of mine was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Some were slave owners. 3 tried to join the Confederate army, but Union soldiers captured 'em 3 times and sent 'em home. The last time they stayed home or their land would be confiscated. Not so good! One journeys to the Oklahoma Badlands as a surveyor. Maybe he met one of your ancestors. He only stayed two years and came back home... One was shot down by the Japs 3 times in the ocean in WW2 and lived!