#PoetryFriday - Photograph

PHOTOGRAPH

He looked closely at the photograph,
Image of his youth,
Filled with promise,
Overflowing with optimism.

Its single dimension
reminded him of another self.
The man in the photograph was
free to hope
free to wonder
free to grasp
looking for the future.

He remembered the photographer.
Prodding
Annoying
Motioning
Jostling with the hangers on
and the wannabes
asking him to share his soul
whether or not he wanted it.

He took a photograph in his mind,
Moved to a new decade.
He wondered whether the wisdom of age
would bring the photograph to life.

Did it look at him
and laugh?