Our Family Tree

our Christmas tree began small
but has grown enormously
ornaments hung upon boughs
have multiplied over time
in forty-five years as a family
an old tradition of decoration
with cherished remembrances
grasping greenery of each year
including more trimmings for
each new birth and wedding
soft happy years dotted with
prickly needles of hard years
this loving power of my wife
has caused our tree to become
taller—wider—much stronger
and as it glows in radiant majesty
with beauty—far beyond words
its peaceful lights blur in my tears
our tree is now a divine purpose
standing far beyond the realms
of an ordinary white Christmas
it has become a humble tree of life
to all our blessed angels of light