There I am, freshly straightened smile,
features still familiar in that academic pose-
the round cheeks, the wonder in the eyes,
the youthful bronze of leisure all obvious enough.
What remains out of view, just below the pearls
along the frame's bottom edge, are the freckled
souvenirs of those precious college summers,
and my left hand, home to pen, paintbrush,
and eventually, a brilliant symbol of a union
in gold. In my right, if you could see it, rests
a thin red leash to my best friend, who led me
through my childhood as best she could on all fours.
This particular shot overlooks the knees,
the left later patched like a snow tire -
a permanent Alpine lesson in limitations -
along with lesser scars and psychological sutures;
merit badges earned crossing childhood's bridge.
Shame you'll miss the feet, pointed parallel,
forever forward, walking me fearlessly to my future
where I learned to write poems about the past.
Lori, I love the way this poemtravels backward and forward in time with gratitude and affection.. Outstanding in every way. Robert
a very marvelous reflection and self awareness. excellent. -Tailor
This is a wonderful piece Lori. There is a stop-start feel to the narrative that forces the reader to think about the phrasing. A great use of language. A beautiful construct.
Moving forward while glancing back over your shoulder, that's the way... A funny, sweet look back at the progression of the years, there is much to love here. Write on, Lori! Esther : ]
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
That very ordinary senior portrait that everyone knows moves into personal territory both unique and familiar.