Dónall Dempsey - Shall I Compare Thee...”

I watch
as it flits

from a sepia tinted moment

to a moment held only
in B & W

before crashing into Kodachrome

that self-same smile

flirt like a bird
amongst the branches

of your family tree

changing sex whenever
it cares to

becoming an uncle...a cousin.. a Mum
...anyone it wants to!

Persisting through the ages
(that same sad secret smile)

worn...but not worn out
by your Dad or a great Aunt

& remark how alike
your great grandfather & you are.

Both the photo & you

smile that same sad secret smile

that I bend to kiss

...this lovely summer’s day.

Dónall Dempsey

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/shall-i-compare-thee/