I Hear You In a Photograph

It's been a lifetime since I heard your voice Most times I can't recall Your Laughter and whispers became foreign to me Behind my memories walls Too numerous nights when your face haunts my sleep That I struggle to hold to the last Fighting to save what my minds eye has seen A myriad of years in the past Was it so long ago that you passed from our lives? Laid down for your final sleep It feels so close although far from my grasp You have been the one treasure I keep I've searched out your life and the people you've touched The legacy you built over time Trying to resurrect you in some practical ways Weaving their memories with mine For twenty five years I've stared at your picture Recounting each day remaking each choice If I search deep enough in those eyes long extinguished It nearly whispers a trace of your voice