Old Photographs

Today I made my periodic visit to the local antique store.
The place was cluttered with mostly useless stuff galore.
But what attracted me as soon as I walked in the door,
Was a pile of old photographs that people didn't want anymore.

Some from days of yore were very, very amusing,
But viewing all of them provoked in me some melancholy musing.
Those somber and scowling faces peering back at me,
Were once precious members of someone's family tree!

One showed two pretty little girls each holding the other's hand.
Others showed soldiers in uniform looking so handsome and grand.
Many showed someone's beloved old mom and dad.
Some with mama and papa posing stiffly with their little tad.

One intriguing photo showed ladies holding skirts above the knee,
Which was scandalous in Victorian times, I think you will agree!
Another curious one showed a woman behind a horse and plow!
Nowadays, about that, women's lib would surely raise a row!

'Tis regrettable that such precious memories heedlessly cast away,
Now lay upon a cluttered table for sensational display!
It might have been of special worth for ensuing generations,
To cherish those pictures of ancestors who laid family foundations!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Strand Avatar
March 7, 2010 at 12:34 AM
Yes they do hold a fascination Robert especially those 19th century 'posed'sepia ones.Rgds Brian & thanks for your welcome commnts today.
Richards Avatar
February 12, 2010 at 2:41 PM
I have often had these very same thoughts, while browsing through old photos, of families that are no longer here....who were they, and what were they like... It is so sad that memories such as these would be cast away. ~
Kelly Avatar
February 12, 2010 at 2:08 PM
Great rhyming of nostalgia , Robert . These would have been BIG at the time , but now just a collection of old memories from a lost past ....
Devonshire Avatar
February 12, 2010 at 2:05 PM
Whenever I look at old photographs, I try to imagine the lives of the people in them. You have a way of bringing these characters back to life in verse. Awesome, Robert! Love, Carolyn
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