Preservation Poem by Shalyn Stachmus

Take a picture for me.
It's not just for the camera.
Will you, for what used to be?
I love you, still.

It's easy to refrain, I know,
when life brings less than love.
Still frames will come and go,
but souls inside will stay alive.

Please don't keep me waiting.
I promise this won't take long.
Will you come and sit by me?
I love you, still.

I know it feels so strange to smile,
and hold it for so long.
Give me just a little while,
and by then it will all be done.

Will we still be friendly?
Shrouded in doubt, I'm restless.
But we can't live forever.
Still frames remain.