The Family Tree Oh I wish that I could only see, something as beautiful as a family tree With limbs so stout, all sizes and shapes and canopy of color far above for all to see. Roots so strong, a foundation for growth, nurture and support for many limbs to grow up, up and away Some of those limbs reach for the sky while others spread to support and balance the tree’s sway. As some parts of the tree flourish, others do not do as well Only the strongest survive, as some parts rose, others fell As the Winter of life arrives, color adorns the canopy with fall foliage of every hue And shortly after the color fades and those leaves drift, guided by a nature’s flue. Then the tree is silent, stark and bare for all to see It’s juices retreat to the roots, that is the way it has to be The tree knows that the energies within will keep it until Spring Finally tiny buds emerge, announcing another year is here; hark, hear the birds sing. Now is the season for flowers and fruit and splendid beauty for all nature to see To compare this with a family, just dream of your clan and imagine a family tree Most of us came from strong roots and branches that traveled everywhere We have had weak branches, rotten branches, as has most trees do and, we care. Some branches bloom well, while others have struggled to survive Thanks to those strongest roots most have stayed alive Some trees succeed, grow stronger with age, and spread their seed Others perish through fault of weak growth and no nourishment to supply their need. Look carefully at your family tree and start back at your roots, so deep Has your tree grown with vigor and are you the seed to keep Nature does prune the family tree as it does our brothers and sisters throughout the entire land And only the strongest do survive to nurture in life’s soil and sand. I thank God that my tree has survived so well through trauma, petulance, famine and the rest I hope that you feel, as do I, that my tree is the best. © Zeke (ForestZeke@aol.com) WRITERS' CORNER: INDEX