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Last week you wrote your first family history poem.
- What was the topic?
- Was it a story about your great-grandmother’s journey across the sea?
- A memory of a dusty farmhouse, or a soldier’s goodbye?
Whatever it was, you’ve taken an important first step: turning history into living words. If you did write a poem and would like to share, please drop it in the comments!
This week, let’s dig into your ancestors’ jobs.
- What work filled their days and fed their families?
- Were they farmers, blacksmiths, teachers, nurses?
- Maybe they worked a job that doesn’t even exist anymore.
- Work is often where dreams, struggles, and stories live.
- A poem about an ancestor’s occupation can make the past feel real — and help readers understand the heart and hands behind your family’s history.
I remember when I found a distant cousin proudly working as a "lady of the night" (the census record called it for what it was--prostitute) out West during the gold rush. She later became a mother, raising a fine family of five children who went on to leave their marks on the world. I need to write a poem about her!
Why Poetry Tells Their Working Story Better Than Prose
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Emotion Over Facts: Poetry captures the sweat, pride, or sadness behind the job — not just the job title.
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Snapshots, Not Timelines: A few strong images can tell a whole story without pages of explanation.
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Music of Labor: The rhythm of a poem can echo the repetitive sounds of work — hammering, typing, sewing.
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Symbolism Builds Bridges: A coal miner's lantern, a teacher's chalk — simple objects can become powerful symbols.
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Relatability: A poem connects the reader's heart with the worker’s hands faster than a long story ever could.
Poetic Devices That Help Tell Job Stories
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Metaphor: Compare the ancestor to something that fits their work (e.g., "Grandpa was a mountain, rooted and strong.")
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Alliteration: Use repeating sounds to mirror work rhythms ("whirring wheels, whispering wool").
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Imagery: Paint vivid pictures — the smell of leather, the clang of metal.
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Personification: Give their tools life ("The plow groaned across the stubborn earth.")
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Free Verse: Let the poem move naturally, just like the unpredictable flow of daily work.
Also--see some easy poetry formats in my previous article: Poetry as a Storytelling Tool for Genealogists. You can also find more forms described on this site.
Checklist for Writing About Ancestors’ Jobs
☐ What was their job title?
☐ Where did they work — farm, city, home?
☐ What tools did they use?
☐ What did a typical day look like?
☐ What sounds, smells, and sights surrounded them?
☐ Was the job dangerous, joyful, boring, proud?
☐ How did this job affect the family’s life?
☐ Are there any heirlooms or photos tied to the job?
☐ Could you use one moment or tool as a symbol in the poem?
☐ What feeling do you want the reader to carry away?
Final Thoughts
Writing a poem about an ancestor’s job is like shaking hands across time. Through a few well-chosen words, you can honor the work that shaped your family’s path. Remember: it’s not about listing facts — it’s about capturing the heartbeat behind the labor.
The next time you find a census record with an occupation listed, don't just record it — bring it to life with a poem.
Questions? Don't hesitate to ask! Use the comment section below. Thanks for reading!
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