The Photograph

The wedding photograph took centre stage

Eight great years

Two years gone now

She had sort of moved on

Slowly

She gazed at the photograph

So strange, it looked different

It was as if he had taken two steps back from her

She began to study the photograph again

Maybe it was just that photograph

She looked out some others

It didn’t make sense

He was behind or in the distance

Moving out of her life

She began to shake

It didn’t make sense

You can’t change photographs

You just can't

The family photo

He was at the back

Was she going crazy

She grasped at the wedding photograph

Watching as he slowly began to fade from view

Was he punishing her

Trying to tell her to move on

She woke with a jolt

Studying the room

God, that was awful

So awful

She needed coffee, and quick

The caffeine kicked in

She spoke out loud

Okay Tom, I finally take the hint

Glancing at the photograph

So strange she thought

She wasn't in it.

Reviews

[Cassie]

This is painful, divorce is painful and you have written it so beautifully

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'The Photograph,
Paul Bell,
This was really clever. I wonder how many of us have dreams which just seem so perplexong? You have done a lot with this which can be analyzed and pondered which I like to do more than some would say I should. Anyway I really enjoyed it. The past is a funny thing and memories do fade. I like the metaphor of a photograph as a fading memory of something once real now gone.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Paul Bell]

Thanks, Kathy. People say dreams send out messages.
Even if they're a bit weird. We never dream into the future, so the past must be the messaging point.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

That's really interesting...did you find this to be a topic which brought on your poem or was it a photograph? You above writing was intrigueing.
Thanks for your response. I hope you are enjoying the remaining fall and Thanksgiving is just around the corner.
Kathy

[Paul Bell]

It was an old black and white photo I was shown of the old family. But some of the faces were faded out. Sort of got me wondering.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

thanks Paul, I appreciate it. Very interesting how ideas can form. Bye.

[pia]

This was chilling and super deep.
Every word added up to excitement and nervousness.
Some times life does give us hints to move on from certain stuff.
But only when we move on can we achieve better things

[Paul Bell]

Always like a twist.

[Raj Sahu]

“Horror is the removal of masks.” - Robert Bloch

Nice work indeed, Keep writing.
Congratulations!

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Raj

[Lydia Shutter]

A haunting write, Paul. When a loved one passes on, photographs are all we have left...that and memories. Sometimes our eyes play tricks on us when we stare at the old photos. Made me think of the "story of Dorian Gray." I liked it. Lydi**

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Lydi, hope the sun shines soon.

[Valentine]

Funny, reading this as I have a picture of my wedding right in front of me. Gone is gone. Be it death or a break up, but letting go can be very hard. Valentine

[Lyn Anderson]

For me, I feel that sense, moving on, a long time after a death, be it a dream or something concrete, something prompts us to turn that corner. My grandfather's depression after my grandmother's death ended when he got in a car accident, and realized he wasn't ready to die. Wonderful poem, well written, one of the best you've posted here.

[Paul Bell]

It's what you should do, move on. Seen so many who don't.

[emmajoy]

'Maybe it was just that photograph.. .. .. .. '

Oh my! Wasn't expecting the twist in the tail.. not saying what, others have to find for themselves.

Cleverly worded, hints without help, a beckoning to wait for something to happen or not; for an occurence or announcement. A pendulum of words and phrases.

[Paul Bell]

Keeping you on your toes emma