"Sunlight"
The old photograph
From a long ago past
Is faded in my hand
Yet clear in memory...
Of a small boy
In a mid-stride walk
Crossing the lawn
In flannel and corduroy...
Sunlight behind him
Its late afternoon brightness
In slanting columns through the fence
Ripple across him as he moves...
Determined toward Grandma’s door
Eyes ahead and arms swinging
He notices neither camera nor me
As he’s captured for all time...
I’ve held this photo often
Time-drifting back to our youth
In wonder at the rush of moments
And the years gone by...
All brightness and curiosity then
Now a man marching still
To a destiny beyond me
And all I hoped for him ...
A parent’s heart can swell with pride
Or ache at a child’s pain
Amazed at their creation
We’re humbled by the gift...
The sun-tousled hair
Framing his small resolute face
Always quiets my soul to listening
For those moments only he and I can share.
Paul Colaluca (11/28/09)