The Record Keeper Poem by Ruta Mohapatra

When Pa and Ma
Were busy raising a family
Someone was record keeping
Of all that was happening

My youngest paternal uncle
With a penchant for photography
And a spirit for adventure
Who could never stay at one place long

With a cheerful visage
Starched white dresses
Black rimmed glasses
And a camera round the neck

He went about snapping
From all angles
Whether one was aware or not
Like a true professional

So our family album
Is full of photos
Of tiny tots and teenagers
Smiling, playing, sitting together

Thanks to my uncle
Who is gone forever
Leaving a store of memories
For a long time to come