As I stand here gazing upon
A row of trees nearing their demise
My mind is overcome by a barrage
Of paralyzing truths
That has contaminated my spirit
Like a river transposing itself
Into an infested swamp
Nonetheless, the sight before me
Whispers to my imagination

This family tree is crooked:
What compels ones sister
To seduce another ones husband?
Just yesterday they were sharing
Clothes and make-up
Today, they share the same lover

The tree has become withered:
Susie flees from home again
While uncle Jake is far too under
The chains of influence to notice
I thought children came first
Then addiction second

That tree has shaded to grey:
Tony searches for drug money
While aunt Sarah is on the prowl
For a new husband at
The corner tavern again
However, I did not realize
New uncles were so easy to find


The branches are twisted:
Mommy never kissed Santa Claus
On Christmas Eve night,
Instead, Aunt Sharon was kissing
Her husband’s brother under the mistletoe
After everyone went to sleep or so they thought,
An old song takes on a new meaning

All the leaves have fallen:
Great grandmother loved reciting
Stories of the family history
It is now that I understand why,
She left some tales untold

So I wonder,
Who planted these trees?