Carter
There is a Polaroid pinned
at the dark of my eyes-
A rosy faced boy high on your shoulders
Confident stride, wide dark eyes
Tall and strong tracing the sky
And sand washing out with the tide.
In front, wrapped tight your tiny girl
Toes curled round your swaying side,
Lulled by gulls, salty wind-
And the calm of daddy's ride.
The wind a sail in that thick dark hair
Wild strands astray
Connors head against your own,
Holding tight to his bouncing thrown.
Pink floppy hat against your chest
Natalia rests her squinting eyes-
Your quiet smile cracked with teeth
Young and white between tan cheeks
The sun sets low and casts a glow,
To your shadow across the shore,
Stretched ahead to distant boats,
Boasting while they stay afloat.
Rough and warm with amber tones,
The photo's crinkled edges
Outline the fading silhouette
Of a portrait from long ago.
