The Mesquite and the Cedar is an epic poem by George H. Malouf that chronicles the monumental odyssey of Hanna Malouf (his father) and his family. The narrative traces Hanna's life from his childhood in the ancient port of Tyre, Lebanon, through the hardships that forced him into early labor. The story unfolds through a series of poetic cantos, each capturing a pivotal chapter in the family journey of exile and perseverance. Driven by the fires of war and sectarian strife in Lebanon, Hanna makes the heart-wrenching decision to emigrate with his family, ultimately building a new life for his thirteen children in the Texas plains. The poem is a profound exploration of exile, resilience, and faith, symbolized by the two trees of the title: the Cedar, representing his noble Lebanese and Ghassanid heritage, and the Mesquite, embodying the tough, adaptable spirit required to thrive in America. This sweeping family saga is a tribute to the immigrant experience, celebrating the forging of a new identity while honoring the enduring roots of the old world.