Photograph
The baby stares at the lens,
china doll, pale and cold
with dark hair that’s lost its curl.
Sat in Mother’s satin lap,
heavy, quiet and still,
lips cracked, no breath left to rattle.
Mother fusses with the bonnet
and sits up straight
ready for the waiting exposure.
As the hour passes
the photographer smokes,
Mother tries to smile,
and the baby
continues to stare
until she’s laid to rest
the very next day, replaced
by the photo that rests on the dresser.