By default the wire thread shows a hierarchy when it comes to replies but only when you click previous. I want to change the hierarchy by showing the parent post on top and its replies underneath in a tree like form. There is a parent relationship found in elgg_entity_relationships where I am trying to build this tree. 

wire post one
-first reply to wire post one
--reply to first reply to wire post one
-second reply to wire post one

I know in oracle databases there is a function named "connect by prior" so this hierarchy structure can be accomplished. 

Any suggestions? Thank you for taking your time to read my question.