How would you have been?

I sorted photos into the one-number hours

Alone in the circle of the desk lamp

I examined what was, the when and where

Of times now faded by lost calendar pages.

Clicked into permanence, celluloid stillness,

You were nonetheless there.

 

The funny faces and awkward poses

As if advertising youth and all its flamboyance.

The surprise shots, unexpected and

Capturing both mood and attitude.

The two of us, pictures of happy kisses

Sprinkling my face like drops of miracles.

 

I examine them all and begin to wonder

Would time have torn the rainbows

From your eyes as it invaded your hair in grey?

Would you have always kept a ready smile

And pulled my arms around you?

Would you have ever loved me less?

 

Would you have been lost in ruts and routines?

And would quicksand time have consumed

Your exuberance and joy?

How would you have been as decades

Passed in their cosmic obedience?

Would you have grown silent and regretful?

 

If love could have saved you

You would have lived forever.

How would you have been?  A shameful question.

Whatever time imposed upon us

I know exactly how you would have been.

You would have been loved

Reviews

[David Scott]

This is good to remember in all of our relationships. Especially those who are still alive with us. We all change. We all become less vibrant in areas of our life. Yet we can keep our hearts and our love new and fresh if we choose to.
I like the perspective and powerful thinking here David.

[DrD]

Thank you, David. Hope all is well with you.