A Photograph of my Grandparents

[charisma]

In their eyes is a certain
uncertainty that this
Polaroid contraption
will instantly capture memory.

In their youth, memories
were hard-earned, chemically
forged on photographic plates
while ramrods held them posed

Now Grandmother's hair
is wispy white
framing a suffering
savant face

Grandfather's back slopes
like the hills
of his Italy youth

Too soon she will rock
by a vacant chair
framing his face
from the window and sky
knitting a scarf she prays
will be long enough to reach him,
strong enough to unravel time.