The Silver Framed Photo.

A Poem by Bryan Sefton

She, he, and the photo and story are true. The story I dressed but I hope it turned out to be true.

They needn't have made the clamorous sound
Or blasted the lights to confusion
The windows were lit but the light had gone out
And provided the ideal solution
They stood in the hall, the ones who had called
Convinced that they'd given their best
Saying how she had suffered and now it was done
And how peaceful she looked in her rest

There were four of them, neighbours, all speaking low
And inbetween words looking on
At the memorabilia of a bygone life
And a world even more bygone
The furniture wasn't what they would call 'new'
Who's houses contained 'newer' things
And if told of the writing desk would probably say
'Sheraton? Didn't she sing?

The silver framed photo that stands in half light
Shows a devine creature linking her beau
Her face is a halo of happiness bright
The Officer smiles down on her glow
It caught at the heart if you looked for a while
At this couple, so perfect a pair
When told that in three weeks the man would lie dead
And the young girl alone to despair

Their life in the picture stretched golden and pure
And eternity was their belief
Who could have told them, given the chore
That their time span together was brief
Who could have broken the heart of this girl
So delectably, gloriously, happy
Or the tall handsome chap in his dress uniform
So crisp, so clean and so snappy

Their eyes they were locked in each other's gaze
The photographer didn't exist
Their fingers locked tight as to never let go
But the War Office, sadly, insist
So true to the code, he went and he fought
And he gave up his life for his country
But she never quite gave up the thought
That somewhere, somehow? Maybe?

Happy endings are rare with a country at war
Though some never give up at all
The thought that perhaps in some far foreign land
There's a mind that cannot recall.
So the years drifted past and the tide that is life
Took the pain slowly, slowly away
And the silver framed photo stood in half light
And the couple enshrined ever gay

Now the neighbours stand quite as the medics confirm
That the long life is finally through
The waiting is over. The living is done
(For those with a limited view)
The four caring neighbours move slowly aside
As the Medics come by with their load
And they watch as they carry their burdon away
From their place at the side of the road

Oh had they the eyes! Had they the sight!
Could they only have been made aware
Of the happy enactment of the silver framed scene
That was there at the top of the stair
The happiness shines! The love is alive!
The hands are again holding tightly
The Officer softly smiles down on her glow
Eternity, now a reality.

© 2022 Bryan Sefton

My Review

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Reviews

Julie McCarthy (juliesp..

This melted my heart
Truly beautiful
Thanks for sharing this loved it

Posted 2 Years Ago

2 Years Ago

I love that you love it Julie.

Lisasview

Hi there Bryan,
From the beginning to the end I cried.
Such an amazing poet…
Heart breaking and brings back so many memories…
Beautifully written…
The silver frame holds your entire poem together.
I really enjoyed the read.
Lisa, now in Spain

Posted 2 Years Ago

2 Years Ago

Thank you Lisa, your remarks are really heart warming.

jacob erin-cilberto

War is so cruel...love shines above it and through it.
this so moving....and she lived many years with his memory as a gift to her.
Now at rest, perhaps they meet again in the next life...one of peace, not war.
Excellent poem,
j.