Camera


A camera takes a picture in a tick
With a lens and a shutter that goes click
Pointed to a selected staring view
Like the still freshness of the morning dew

A photograph proffers potent power
Similar in essence to a flower
Residues colour common memory
Things that may return a whole century

To a pinky space gone greyer with time
A tall lady stands naked in her prime
The fixed scene dazzles the searching mind
For the simple beauty of her behind

In the chill of an Asian shopping mall
Besides the shirts and shoes next to a doll
Shining merchandise are lined duty free
Instant portraits are made right there for thee

A lone jumping man in mid stride freezes
In his wet dream even a mouth pleases
To make the shape of an eternal smile
When art at last is a matter of style

A camera takes a picture just like that
As things merge and vanish where we had sat
Imprints of moving things no longer there
And of unaging eyes that just stare and stare
 

Roma 6 10 2007