Photos, memories, dreams…
Additions subtract from reality’s face.

It had been 25 years
since the last family photo had been taken.
Now, on their 50th wedding anniversary,
she placed them in their order
from the picture
her husband carries in his wallet.
One brother hollered for and hunted down,
another can’t find his shirt,
probably in the pontoon since the
celebration is at the lake. Coolers
are dragged towards the shoreline
to provide lower seating, three in front,
five are standing in the back. She smiles.
Everyone is laughing, mosquitoes are buzzing,
relatives are cheering as she holds the moment
and “clicks,” capturing Time’s changing faces.

Dreams, memories, photos…
Divisions multiply mind’s fantasy face.

It had been many more years
then she would have thought possible.
Now, a lifetime later,
she touches her cheek with gentle fingers
in an earlier-taken picture
she has had for years magnetized
to her refrigerator's door. She marvels.
Time and experience bring a small chuckle,
she cheers her life, thankful, older, alive…
and captures another changing face.

Erin Elizabeth Kelly-Moen
© Copyright 8/6/03