THE FACE IN THE PHOTOGRAPH

THE FACE IN THE PHOTOGRAPH

I hold in my hand a photograph,

Tiny and black and white.

The corners are crumpled

Too long it’s been out of sight.

The face that I see is familiar

And there is a sparkle in the eyes,

It brings back so many memories

Of one who was generous and wise.

The jaw line is square and determined;

The shoulders are broad and strong.

I thought he would be with me forever

Sadly I was wrong.

I still feel his presence with me

As I walk down memory lane

It seems like only yesterday

We walked and splashed in the rain.

As I look at the face in the photograph

Memory swamps me again,

I remember the happy days together,

And yes I remember the pain.

I remember as I watched him aging

How his eyes would sparkle still;

The shadow would pass across his face

When his body could not do his will.

It is just a tiny photograph,

Taken long ago and in other place,

Yet the face and sparkling eyes

Have transcended time and space.

A smiling face in a picture

Frozen for ever in time.

I am glad to have this and know

That this man was Father of mine.

© Linda J. Vaughan

July 2008