Family Photo Album

Moments frozen in black and white
a visual diary of my ancestors
I study each one carefully
looking for some part of myself
in these familiar faces whose
passage through life is
embossed on paper.

As I look at the muted portraits
I feel a warmth envelope me
like I'm wrapped in a familial embrace
Tracing each face,
I wonder if their past
will reflect my future
these pictures
worth a thousand words
whisper comfort and encouragement
calming my doubts and fears.

With a newfound serenity
I close the red velvet cover
giving the faces of my heritage
their privacy once again.