Starting to propagate your ‘Tree Of Life’
Beginning with the eldest branch first.
Down to little twigs, caring and nurturing.
Then young saplings, until other buds burst.

The structured roots of the family tree.
Revealing the days of old.
When the revival of past lives,
Can now begin to unfold.

Decades ago certain ladies wore bustles,
Crinolines, and large feathered hats.
Stiffened collars for men and waxed moustache.
Waistcoats, starched collars and spats.

While posing for photographs, a stiff rod up their backs.
Large black box camera with a glass slide thrust through.
Sat a man hidden underneath a black cloth.
Preparing to take a photo of you.

Mothers. Fathers, sisters, brothers.
Aunts and uncles, cousins too.
Nieces and of course nephews.
All connected to me and you.

Not forgetting second cousins and those once removed.
Also families who once lived close together,
Now have emigrated to other lands.
Having dispersed abroad forever.

So what’s this I find in the undergrowth
Accidentally forgotten, or was it
A compromised maid, gamekeeper or vagabond
Yes it’s a skeleton in the closet

Having now completed your ‘Tree Of Life’’
Putting connections into perspective.
Leaving room for other buds to burst.
Seeing roots spread, and not neglected.