:: ODE TO AN ANCESTOR - Rosemary Dixon-Smith (poem)

ODE TO AN ANCESTOR

Oh Ancestor, my Ancestor, please hearken to my plea.
I've searched and searched
And tried so hard
To add you to my Tree.

We know, of course, that you were born,
But where and on what date?
I have your siblings every one -
Emerge, for pity's sake!

John Gadsden was from London,
Then he took a little trip
Across the sea to Ireland -
That's where I lose my grip.

He was a Bacon Merchant
With a partner, name of Nash;
They flourished in the city
And they made a bit of cash.

John's wife she bought a vessel,
Name of "Susan", by and by,
Which sadly sank beneath the waves
In 1835.

With sons and daughters they were blessed,
And duly did baptise them,
Yet, despite my lengthy quest,
No sign of Thomas Gadsden.

In Waterford they did reside,
Some clues give us their history,
Still no matter what I try,
Tom's birth remains a mystery.

We've Morton & his brother Charles,
And Rosa Thomasina,
We've Emily, Louisa, Flo
And dear Mary Rochenda.

But Thomas Alfred's profile stays
So low it is invisible;
As I go on my weary way
I'm hoping for a miracle.