| Broken Branch (a family history in fragments) Sad St. Bernard eyes, Always at the weepy edge, Too old to cry. She carries a rope around her neck. Calls it precious, Like a leash, Waiting for someone to lead her forward. Eye begging for attention, Mouth barking bitter words. Black & white photos With a smiling young girl. Wide puppy dog innocent eyes, Bright with joy, Next to a bright young boy Brimming with love. Doting young parents In faded grey silhouettes Marking first baby steps. In the void between the images The years fell cold lead When love was not enough. Obedience turned their lives Backwards, Drawing destines in dust. Duty braided the rope, Tied tight the knot, While love turned a blind eye. Two flourishing creations And another one on the way Were buoy enough to lighten one soul. The other, too heavy, Love not enough Sank deep into the earth Leaving a ghost in the barn, A family of haunted brown eyes, And a noose. She carries it with her Always, like a leash Precious.© 1997 wendi loomis "Reflection in Fragments" |