Climbing My Family Tree
©2011 Susan Noyes Anderson (poem only)
When life is less than kind to me,
I climb right up my family tree.
My heart is most pleased and blessed by family and family relationship poems, for they are closest to my heart. Some of these offerings are funny, moving, nostalgic, or religious. Others are more complex, refusing (as families themselves do) to fit neatly under any one characterization. My poems value the complexity of every family relationship and respect those who honor and uphold it. I hope you find something that resonates with you here. May the poems evoke feelings (delightful and occasionally less so) that we all associate with being part of a family.
FINDING THE POEM YOU WANT: As you scroll through this section, simply read each snippet sample (usually the first four lines) to get a feel for the poem. When you find something you like, click “CONTINUE READING” to view the entire poem.
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When life is less than kind to me,
I climb right up my family tree.
Familes Are Forever
“Families Are Forever,”
says the sign upon our wall.
I look at it and smile because
I love mine, one and all.
I’ve got the nose of Uncle Gene,
the eyes of Grandpa Fred,
the mouth of Aunt Virginia, and
the chin of Cousin Ted,
What song shall I sing for my mother? What key?
Which chords own the notes that will set her joy free?
Was psalm ever born that could raise her hopes high
as the million bright stars she has hung in my sky?
My mother taught me how to play
each note to form a song.
She showed me how to hold the bow
and keep my down stroke strong.
Grandpa’s a really good guy.
He knows how to make a kid fly.
He fills up his jeanses
with bright jelly beanses
We’re picking out a Christmas tree.
Oh boy, I just can’t wait!
December 25th is near––
It’s time to celebrate.
To see her hands
their beauty weave
restored my faith
made my heart conceive