Uprooting The Family Tree - Poem by Val Jennings

I wanted to explore
and let my family see
the wonder of our past
found in our family tree.

So I labeled all the branches
and wrote upon the leaves.
I identified kings and captains
and murderers and thieves.

I found many branches broken
with limbs that wouldn't mend.
Then I'd reach down and root
it up and find another friend.

A tree so deeply planted
into this mortal place.
Requires constant nourishment
so the fruit has a delicious taste.