Family History
The trunk of this family is lost to history
Photo fragments remain as shadows
Among anecdotal remembrances
Grandmother asphyxiated from appearances
Eldest aunt expired of embarrassment
While the youngest aunt died of denial
Uncle wallows in what could’ve been
Father perches atop it’s not my place
Above their ancestors’ termite rot
Their children and their children’s children—
Twisted branches spread far and wide—
Brethren brittle breaking, sisters snatching sky—
That tree is perfect to be described as such! Memories...
ReplyDeleteBekkie, the tree seems rich with history and secrets.
Deleteexcellent take on this tree.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathe W.
DeleteYou never cease to amaze me. You are such a talented writer.
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you, Sharon!
DeleteThis is just so good, T. I am writing about BIL based on your trunk picture.
ReplyDeleteRobyn, I'm glad you have poetry as an outlet for your grief.
DeleteThis is really a good poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michael.
DeleteJust awesome. I really like the second verse. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheri. I struggled with the second verse because I really wanted to say that the grandmother asphyxiated from keeping up with appearances, but then it would throw the poem off. I hope it was implied.
DeleteThat really has a keen sense of humor to it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alex. The Irish have a dark humor. That's where I was going with it.
DeleteHi Theresa .. and as Spring approaches more littlies appear ... love your thoughts here ... so true for many families I think ... I know it would be for ours .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary, that stiff-upper-lip and worried-about-offending definitely has a British feel, doesn't it? Cheers!
DeleteAwesome. I really like the third paragraph. Robin is right. You're really talented.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Natalie.
DeleteI like that tree, and I like your poem too! I especially like the line about how the aunt died of denial. I know of people who spend their lives denying what's right in front of them because they can't handle the truth; it's sad.
ReplyDeleteNeurotic Workaholic, it is sad. That denial often leads to destructive behavior.
DeleteClever interpretation of the prompt! I like the bit of wry humor in this.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rommy. I'm glad you saw what I was going for.
DeleteI loved this...the aunts denial a high point!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kay! Those two middle stanzas were fun to write.
DeleteWhat a beautiful tree! It does lend itself to some interesting family stories I am sure. :) A tree holding secrets and mysteries (and lots of other stuff it sounds like). Awesome poem!
ReplyDelete~Jess
Thank you very much, Jess!
DeleteEven lacking perfection the children will still be closest to the sky in a family tree...
ReplyDeleteBjörn, that is wonderfully put!
DeleteGreat alliteration, Theresa. Love the photo and the poem. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Victoria.
DeleteAmazing imagery, and I love the photo and green font.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the imagery, Medeia.
DeleteI like the spread of this family tree. A story with every branch!.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a story with every branch, Helena.
DeleteThat pic makes a great match to the words. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Lynda.
DeleteYeah death surely is a feature of life dear Theresa , an integral component of the Feng Shui , some might say , cheers
ReplyDeleteKutamun, so true. Circle of life.
DeleteSounds a lot like my family...
ReplyDeleteTess, sadly it probably describes many families.
DeleteI really enjoyed your take on this picture prompt .. very fitting!
ReplyDeleteKatherine, thank you!
DeleteThe scene-setting you do in this poem recalls 1930's for me. An old musty attic with light streaming in through a window, looking at photographs found after being lost for decades.
ReplyDeleteMichael, I like that scene-setting you did, which actually isn't far off from my picture. I was actually thinking of this little space my grandmother had in her old house with photos that went back to soldier who fought for the North during the Civil War. She didn't know who those ancestors were, but they were a part of our history.
DeleteYou're a talented writer, Theresa, and that beautiful tree photo makes a wonderful pairing with your thought-provoking poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Dawn. It certainly was an inspirational photo for me. I'd been kicking the idea around for a few weeks, but this tree got me to write it.
DeleteGorgeous photo and gorgeous writing! Love the images this evoked for me :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jemi!
DeleteI hope all is well, Theresa!
ReplyDeleteYou too, Victoria!
DeleteThis is fantastic! I really enjoyed how you weaved together such a beautiful poem with your alliteration and imagery.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jamie! I appreciate the thoughtful comment.
DeleteAre you saving all of your poems and making a collection? You really should be you are good! Very good!
ReplyDeleteThat's so nice of you to say, Sharon. Yes, I save my poems. I don't know about a collection....
DeleteI always love your poetry so much, Theresa! It takes me places.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie. Hope you enjoy the trip.
DeleteWonderful poem to go with the unique picture. Well done, Theresa!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Connie!
DeleteThis sounds like it could be a metaphor for the many monsters lurking deep in some Southern families' closets. I need to explore your blog more and figure out if you have any short stories in you! Just the hints presented here were intriguing.
ReplyDeleteSearching for the Story (Ethan), yes, I have a few short stories here and a few others published. Thank you for the compliment.
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