Photograph

You stood, arms crossed and back to the maple tree in the front yard.

You look the same now as you did in black and white;

Strong, handsome, and young.

You’ve changed since then. 

Even though you may not be so young, you’re still strong.

But you’ll always be strong – you’re the strongest man I’ve ever known.

And you’re just as handsome now as you were in black and white.

I suppose you’re not so different after all.

In the black and white your mouth forms a crooked grin, 

And your head is tilted slightly as you suppress a chuckle.

You were remarkably cheerful and so full of life.

You seem blissful there.

If I could go back to the black and white, I’d ask you

What it was that made you smile that way.

I’d warn you to never let it escape your grasp, to hold it close forever.