INNER STRENGTH

Without a photo a face fades,

Sculpture, pictures are memory aids.

Pictures help us remember

Beyond our mental endeavor

Our family’s former men and maids.

2

But is an odd jaw, wiry hair

(the limits of a photo rare)

Best? Should we not remember kin

For character, strengths, “stuff” within?

Generosity? Loving care?

3

How much better to know their goals,

The inner vibrations of their souls.

What they secretly, often sought,

What they seldom – if ever – got,

(Much more important than facial “moles.”)

4

Inner strengths have heavenly weight,

So crucial beyond that great gate.

Images we claim not to adore,

But probably we “put too much store,”

In paint, charcoal, pencil, and slate.

– eab, 7/1/09