How Long, Oh Lord

I was already old When I first saw the photograph My mother - twenty something - before my birth Deep in the great depression and dust bowl How long, Oh Lord Sand a half foot deep on the porch The beauty in her face was there But her eyes were dead - and cold No hint of a smile from lovely lips That later kissed my cheek How long, Oh Lord Fence in the yard three feet under sand The dynamic beauty she became Is not there - not in this picture Even the house - devoid of paint - is hopeless No animals in sight on this small farm How long, Oh Lord It took an oil boom to change this photograph 9-12-19 Writing Challenge 2, September 2019 - The Photograph Sponsor, Dear Heart - Wiishkobi Ode