Grandpa and the Elder Tree

Thomas Hemminger

July 2, 2023

Our fishing spot was on the river

right below the oldest Shagbark Hickory 

in the county.

Under that tree, I heard whole stories

about our family heritage. 

You told yarns from five generations 

up our family tree under the wide shade

of that favorite arbor. 

Our first generation met for church 

“on these very grounds.” 

The second took a nearby wagon-rutted road 

into town, but “now it’s all ‘in town’ of course.” 

Great-grandpa proposed 

to Great-gran, “right here,”

and you’d point to the very spot.

You fished here with your daddy 

“just like we were doing,”

and you fell into the water 

when you climbed out too far

“on a branch that’s gone now.”

That tree reminded me a lot of you,

because it looked kind of shaggy

but it felt so strong.

Also, because it seemed like it would

go on living forever.

Both of you were giants to me. 

Always will be, 

I expect.

I miss you both. 

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His personal hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was through America’s favorite “neighbor” that Thomas learned of the importance of loving others, and of giving them their own space and grace to grow.