|
PhotographsOlivia Fukofuka
(Past)
Last December
can you see my forced smile?
the eyes too bright to be happy
and baby, Denzee, the other kids
in their joyous misunderstanding
who clutch their gifts and stop their play
long enough
to obey Elsie’s demands for a strategically placed
photograph
“i wanna blend the flowers in with
the trees.”
can i blend in?
and keep my roots safely buried
in my home.
Aunty’s going away
Sis is going away
This will be her last December day.
can you feel my mouth aching?
from holding the smile too long
and Elsie despite the hot sun
wants to make us stand properly
“stand from oldest to youngest.”
can i be the youngest?
and be as the babe in my arms
protected.
Hold this memory
Keep this memory
It’ll be her silent link to sanity.
and the children are poised for flight
Babu fidgets to play
not yet, i pray
enjoy this moment longer
while i’m a part of it.
(Present)
Old Photos
i sit in silence
still as a statue
but aware
of the wind’s thick hand
the whispering trees
of voices hanging
on the muggy breeze
and baby breath
on my shoulders
of frangipani fragrance
resting near ears
and sunlight pressed
onto little kids’ lids
like kisses
of Babu’s mirth
through memories
that hang, and watch
and wait
as I sit in silence
still as a statue
enjoying the past
as it speaks to me.
(Future)
Questions
who is the girl in the green shirt
who shares my eyes
whose arms i feel around me
but rarely know
who is the girl in the green shirt
who shares my nose
whose presence i sense
but isn’t here
who is the girl in the green shirt
who shares my lips
whose voice i called and cried for
but never hear
who is the girl in the green shirt
who shares my mother’s face
who looks like me
but isn’t?
|
