Long, Long Ago

I find the one remaining photograph from my wedding:
everyone is still smiling, despite the way things turned out
(time can fade print, but the smiles remain fixed forever).
Somehow, that one picture survived;
the others had fallen victim to Mum's scissors,
      long, long ago.

My dad is wearing his blazer and one of my ties;
he's looking healthy (just as I remember before the cancer...)
      long, long ago.
My mum in a new suit, is much younger-looking, and well.
I wish I could step into the happy picture, 
and keep my parents as they were then.

My wife and I are wearing our shining new rings -
      long, long ago
they were sold and melted down for other newly-weds to wear.
I remember the deep love I felt for my wife then.
Mum asks what I'm looking at and she tears out part of the picture...
my ex wife is still smiling from the waste paper basket...

Date written 24th September 
Writing Challenge 2, September 2019 - The Photograph 
Sponsor, Wiishkobi Ode
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Proxenos Avatar
October 13, 2019 at 3:32 AM
I'm sorry things did not work out, one of our sons got divorce and I did the same as your mom! I like your last two lines of the poem LOL. Hugs, Jennifer.
La France Avatar
October 3, 2019 at 5:32 PM
Jack congratulations on your win in my challenge with this excellent and emotional write!
Dietrich Avatar
September 25, 2019 at 6:33 PM
OMG, BEST poem I have seen in this contest. FAVE
Callus Avatar
September 25, 2019 at 5:07 AM
Both your serious and humorous sides stand out in this expressive poem, Jack. Your take on the 'photograph' theme is excellent. Regards // paul
Adams Avatar
September 24, 2019 at 7:39 PM
if only to jump in the pictures and hug them again would be nice...love the nostalgia in this one, the way you told the story was wonderfully penned, the ending stellar :) hugs
Devonshire Avatar
September 24, 2019 at 4:02 PM
Jack, this is a tender, heartfelt write that touches my heart. In this case Mum was doing you a favor by getting rid of Sue's photos. My father's birthday would have been last Saturday, so I've been thinking how nice it would be to have my parents back too. Your delicate wording is amazing. A fave for me! Love, Carolyn
Kendrick Avatar
September 24, 2019 at 1:01 PM
Sad one. You are dealing with the situation very well. Sara
Devonshire Avatar
September 24, 2019 at 4:03 PM
Yes, he really is! Mum is so lucky to have Jack.
Allison Avatar
September 24, 2019 at 12:07 PM
You have a wonderful way with words jack and although the relationship is over your wit still shines through. I just love the ending of the poem with your ex smiling from the waste paper basket after your mum got to the scissors to her! Mum destroyed my sister's baby picture and recently asked me to remove all pics of dad ... neither of us have mourned his passing. The baby picture of my sister was ripped up about 3 yrs ago and the frame smashed:-( families eh!:-( hugs jan xx
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