THE PICTURES OF

the pictures of
all boxed up;  put there
left to the memory, scattered-unnamed

locked away, between the shadows
and dust motes-of what was

now in the dark
their eyes closed to the light; patience narrowed, flawed
waiting for someone

anyone to care-to  open up, reveal
have a claim renewed,  chance again, of what has been

ready to emote, over lost feelings, laid scattered
left askew, pressed by the years
gone unanswered, they are silent; impatient

for until, they are expectant; prepared, a life once lived
there in a moment; breathe in, to feel loved

by Michael Perry