GRANDMA CLIMBED THE FAMILY TREE (cont. )

Now some folks came from Scotland. some from Galway Bay-
Some were French as pastry. some German all the way.
Some went on West to stake their claims. some stayed there by the sea.
Grandma hopes to find them all as she climbs the Family Tree.

There were pioneers and patriots mixed with our kith and kin-
Who blazed the paths of wilderness and fought through thick and thin
But none more staunch than Grandma -whose eyes light up with glee
Each time she finds a missing branch for the Family Tree.

Their skills were wide and varied from carpenter to cook
And one -alas -the records show, was hopelessly a crook.
Blacksmith, farmer, weaver. judge -some tutored for a fee.
Once lost in time, now all recorded on the Family Tree.

To some it's just a hobby, to Grandma it's much more-
She learns the joys and heartaches of those who went before.
They loved. they lost. they laughed. they wept -and now for you and me
They live again in spirit around the Family Tree.

At last she's nearly finished, and we are each exposed -
Life will be the same again -this we all suppose.
Grandma will cook and sew, serve crullers with our tea,
We'll have her back, just as before, that wretched Family Tree.

Sad to relate, the Preacher called and visited for a spell -
We talked about the Gospel and other things as well.
The heathen folk, the poor, and then--'twas fate--it had to be
Somehow the conversation turned to Grandma -and the Family Tree.

We tried to change the subject, we talked of everything-
But then in Grandma's voice we heard that old familiar ring.
She told him all about the past, and soon 'twas plain to see
The preacher, too, was neatly snared by Grandma and the Family Tree.

He never knew his Grandad, his mother's name was---Clark?
He and Grandma talked and talked.-outside it grew quite dark.
We'd hoped our fears were groundless, but just like some disease.
Grandma's become an addict -she's hooked -on Family Trees.

Our spirits filled with sorrow, our hearts sank with dismay-
Our ears could scarce believe the words we heard our Grandma say,
"It surely is a lucky thing that you have come to me,
I know exactly how it's done --I'll climb your Family Tree!"

Barbara Adams

submitted by: Mavis Brees