Jennifer Jefferis
Why did I save them
Pack them along
To Washington, Oregon, Alaska and back
Settle at the foothills of the Catalina Mountains
Begin to gather the people in the boxes
Some no longer living
Some I cannot find
Some so tightly woven into me it as if by design
Not just by chance I saved them
Brought them all along
For the pictures have captured all of us in time
Horseback rides, waterskiing on the lake, pets we loved, time with friends
The pictures tell me it is time to share them
Whisper it in my ear
Encourage me to hold on to what’s most dear
Celebrations at the park
Family gathered round a table near the swings
Christmas at Aunt Ethel’s house
Waiting to see what Santa brings
Struggling with pictures glued fast to aging pages
I am determined to rescue them
I know the photos will salvage our faith and visions
Yet what I really want – is to let them know I care about each one’s love
Still cling to the hopes that others will care too
Determined to harvest the history we’ve shared
I am reminded of the struggles and tragedies in our family
The pictures serve as mirrors of our lives
How we found our way through the rumble to hold on to one another
The pictures in boxes help frame us – hold us
Capture and save us
I’ll send copies out on CDs
Hope to hear back
When each one remembers
How we lived and laughed and loved