Two Oaks

My grandfather’s moods flashed like lightning.

His pride never let him back down.

He met life with unending resolve,

Showing me courage means standing my ground.

My faithful grandfather walked a gentle road,

His worn Bible, a quiet guide.

Through his actions, love and wisdom flowed,

Showing me the courage to sometimes walk away.

Two branches of my family tree,

Each teaching manhood's different arts.

One weathering storms without retreat,

One offering grace with an open heart.

Life demands both iron and gentle touch.

One a steadfast protector, one a gentle guide.

Both standing unmoved when challenges rise,

Both necessary for wisdom to thrive.

From their ways, I learned the balance:

The strength to stand firm, the heart to care.

Each trait has its time, its place to lead—

Both essential to the man I hope to be.

Two branches of my family tree,

Each teaching manhood's different arts.

One weathering storms without retreat,

One offering grace with an open heart.

Two different paths converge in me.

One showed me fire, one showed me light.

Together they shaped who I've become;

Their lessons echo in all that I do.

Two oaks in my veins, their strength combined,

Their resolve and faith forever intertwined.

A new tree growing from their roots—

Their legacy lives on; in me, it stays.

Alan Simpson