The Family Tree

One tree outlives the mighty oak
Because it's made of special folk,
Through generations changing form,
Providing shelter from life's storm.
Our parents' parents and before,
Who may have lived on distant shores,
They root our lives in memories;
We're nourished by their histories.
A sturdy trunk that lends support
And gives us care of every sort--
The fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts,
Who nurture us like tender plants.
The children, branching toward the sky,
Have brand new dreams and deeds to try.
And babies, buds that seem so small,
Will flower so the tree grows tall.
............................(By Jim Wolf)