The camera clicks you smiling, standing at the edge,
Flirting with danger and with the photographer,
In your plaited hair and pleated skirt
Your teeth-embracing braces and with beads
Of sweat decorating your forehead.
This was long before our palms accidentally touched
In a library where you came to borrow books
And I to catch your eye.This was long before
Laughter slipped out of our lives
Unnoticed like an uninvited wedding guest.
Now you look back at the album
Like a child peering through barbed wire
And your eyes reflect an innocence
I last saw when grandmother, bent double
With age and wisdom, holding a broom
In the background of your snap
Shouting at you to move away from death,
Moved on herself with her memories–
And all the neighboring homes huddled together
Sharing a common sorrow and you sobbed.
A quintessentially delightful and engaging poem.
Thank you very much,Louis.
Eyes so deep, full of memories. Kudos!
Thank you,lagbayi.
memories are held from the start to the end… the beginning that breaks through life and to the passing of the same life…lovely write my friend …
Thank you, dear Suzette.