Photograph

We must know the truth, and we must love the truth we know. Thomas Merton

On her way to the big dance

my sister patiently waits

for the camera to click.

Her dress is white,

her slender fingers wrapped in

tight, petite gloves,

while top to bottom,

in her brilliant hat and polished shoes

grasping the patent handbag

she glows, so cool

in the autumn sun.

Carefully posed,

her little brothers cluster.

The oldest, just fooling around,

grins slyly

waves his

Lone Ranger cap gun.

The smart boy,

just down the step,

holds his hands in his jacket pocket,

and confidently smiles

for the camera.

But the little one stands apart

in a forest of shifting knees,

close to the ground

steadied by her strong hand.

Mother's long arm

reaches far down

to his slight shoulder,

and her power

still towers above them all

wrapping them in her

safe embrace.

(22 May 2012)