Two Portraits of My Father in a Tree
The Atlantic
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
"Two Portraits of My Father in a Tree" is a poignant poem that paints two distinct yet deeply interconnected scenes involving a father and his children. The first portrait captures the emotional weight of failure and loss during a hunting trip, as the father struggles with his poor aim and the suffering of an injured deer. His inability to provide a swift end to the animal's pain reflects both his humanity and his vulnerability, leaving him searching for meaning in the natural world. The second scene shifts tone, offering a moment of familial connection and wonder during a Christmas climb up a mountain. Here, the father’s attempt to find hope and signs of home contrasts with the cold, dark reality they face, highlighting themes of resilience and the search for purpose.
In the first part, the poem delves into the raw emotions of failure and the impact of one's actions on others. The father’s shame after missing the deer is palpable,
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Originally published on The Atlantic on 2/22/2026