A Family Historian's Lament.....

[Jean Jeanie]

I've been doing my family history for nearly thirty years,
Diligently tracing aunts and uncles and my peers,
From Peterhead to Peterborough, Peebles to Penzance,
My merry band of ancestors has led me quite a dance.

There's cooks from Currie, guards from Govan and chimney sweeps from Chester,
There's even one daft fisherman lived all his life in Leicester.
There's no-one rich or famous, no, not even well-to-do,
Though a second cousin twice removed once played in goal for Crewe.

I've hunted Record Offices from Livingstone to Jarrow,
The little grey cells of my mind would humble Hercules Poirot.
I've deciphered bad handwriting that would shame a three-year-old,
And brought the black sheep of the family back into the fold.

My bride of just three minutes I left standing at the church,
As I nipped into the graveyard for a spot of quick research.
And there I found an uncle who was sixty years deceased -
It was far more satisfying than a silly wedding feast.

After three whole weeks of wedded bliss, my wife became despondent,
She named the Public Record Office as the co-respondent.
I didn't even notice when she packed her bags and went -
I was looking for great grandad's will who'd died in Stoke-on-Trent.

Now my thirty-year obsession is lying in the bin,
Last Tuesday week I heard some news that made me jack it in.
For my darling, aged, mother, who is not long for this earth,
Casually informed me they'd adopted me at birth!

Author's name unknown.

Jean

[CatrionaL]

Hi Jean Jeanie

I must have missed this poem first time around. Thoroughly enjoyed it and know that my family will appreciate it even more.

Best Wishes
Catriona

[nancy]

hi Jean,how very good that was.I'm quite new to research,but sometimes while frantically searching on PC,it sure feels like 30 YRS Cheers Nancy

[sheilajim]

Hi Jean

I just noticed this poem today, (from the other postings). I giggled all the way throught it. My husband wondered what I was laughing at.

I have only been searching for 3 1/2 months myself, but it sometimes seems like 30 years.

Cheers

Sheila

[Jean Jeanie]

Hi All

This was posted when TS was in its infancy.

I'm glad it still raises a laugh

Jean

[ASGROOMBRIDGE]

Just found it, made me laugh, oh the joys of graveyards, Bliss

Audrey

[CatrionaL]

Jean Jeanie

I think 'your' poem deserves an annual outing.

Hope the new members since October 2005 appreciate it

Best wishes

Catriona

[PaulaD]

=D> =D> =D>
Thanks Jean Jeanie that is wonderful. I know how he feels.
Paula

[emanday]

Absolutely brilliant

Can't stop giggling

[laineywoo]

Just had to say I cant stop giggling at this one
Lainey