I’ve had this poem saved on my computer since 2001. It highlights the vital role of oral history and the importance of interviewing our family elders. Their memories and stories are priceless. Since then, many of my own elders have passed away, but I’m deeply grateful that they shared so much of my family’s history with me—insight that has been instrumental in my genealogy research.

Our Elders Are Passing by Jack M. Williams

Our elders are passing, one by one
Surely gone forever, until there are none.
Their bountiful memories, their knowledge of the past,
Soon will be lost, and beyond our grasp.

The past is prologue, so delicate to retain,
Slipping slowly from our grasp, til nothing remains.
For our elders are passing, so sad but true,
And with them their memories, and all that they knew.

It’s urgent for sure, to record each thought,
Of every family elder, so its not for naught.
So generations remember the beauteous past,
We’ll retain that knowledge, and ensure it will last.

There’ll be no better time, than that right now,
To begin your quest, or to renew your vow.
So locate your elders, and schedule that meeting,
In light of the fact, that time is so fleeting.