The Ancient tree

I am but a new leaf slowly growing on an ancient tree.
Far from a branch, a newborn shoot you can hardly see.
Fashioned by those before me, I am not my own.
Unique detail of a bigger picture, I can't fill the frame alone.
In my veins runs the effervescence of a thousand mothers,
The passion and strength of countless faithful fathers,


In the Ancient tree you can catch sight of my heritage,
Roots nurtured by faith, laughter roaming through the foliage
Perseverance and hope standing as the backbone of the tree
Courage, defiance adding up to forge a valuable legacy.

Look closer and you will find large numbers of children,
Tribes that can't be counted, tables covered in stained linen,
Afternoons filled with bike rides, role play, fairies and heroes,
And a love so deep it overcomes even the deepest of sorrows.

Between the tree's leaves, colourful flowers, and the branches' safety
At its core, you will unveil secrets of courage, rebellion and bravery.
History digged its claws in the bark when hatred and ignorance
Worked against innocence, but It stood, still, in stubborn resistance.
No amount of death and hell managed to extinguish the life of the Tree,
Though the marks are still there, Generations remember the lasting victory.

You will find intertwined joy, grief, welcoming arms, stories untold,
Hidden glory, chaotic lives, clumsy affection delivered by hearts of gold.
So is Family. There is no perfection, no entirely peaceful existence.
Only souls that cherish their bond, love and chose to go the distance.

As my days grow in number and my heart turns wiser
I see I am them and they are me, our names woven together.
I am but a new leaf slowly growing on an ancient tree.
Far from a branch, a newborn shoot you can hardly see.