In an old show box hidden away
I unearthed my past.
A record of parents, uncles, aunts and cousins
So many now passed on.
Photographs of a younger time
When hair flowed over shoulders
Bright clothes were the trend
And life was there to be grasped.
I found a slim young boy
Wide eyed and expectant
Beside a younger girl in blue,
With eyes so full of hope.
Their future would be
Children and dysfunction,
His naivety plunging him
To places he never imagined
From which he struggles to recover.
Written for: http://www.adashofsunny.com/prompt-nights-a-photograph-is-but-a-memory-in-raw-format-26/
Morpethroad 
But we are so glad for photographs, reminding us of our past, perhaps the times we went through which we regret and also those that bring happiness.
True but not everything has a pleasant smell about it does it….
Ahhh no
A moving, challenging poem, Michael. It’s a good thing that we don’t know what life has in store for us. We all have battles that we have fought and lost, fought and won. It’s so easy to assume that nobody else goes through hard times, since we are mostly so practised at putting on a shiny, perfect mask for others to see.
So very true Freya. Thanks so much for stopping by….I was actually looking through old photos today…
It’s a bitter sweet experience, isn’t it?
Yes especially seeing the faces of so many faces now long gone.
Sigh, such a bittersweet rendition, Michael ❤ There is so much to admire in your poem. Sigh, absolutely mesmerized at the opening lines. I believe life is not a problem that needs to be resolved rather a reality awaiting to be experience. Beautifully penned. Thank you so much for participating at Prompt Nights and for your constant love and support ❤
Lots of love,
Sanaa
My pleasure Sanaa…
“When hair flowed over shoulders
Bright clothes were the trend”…this reminds me of the 70’s 🙂
Spot on Sumana, back in the days when I had hair…lol
Opening Pandora’s box – i imagine finding memories in a box under a bed..on a shelf.. rewinding time..despite the places he never imagined he would go maybe the question is would he change it
It’s not always about changing things but accepting what did happen.
I always feel a little sad looking at old photographs because they only tell half the story and you desperately want to know more!
True Robin there is a story in every photo.
You brought in a different aspect of looking at old memories….a mixture of feelings!
Thank you so much.
I’ve read your posts for a while now, and know that there is a lot of pain and troubles in your past. But I also know that you’re in a much better place now. Old photographs bring such mixed memories, and we cling them so dearly.
You are correct on both counts and I greatly appreciate your comment. Photos of the past do serve to bring back some pain but they also remind you that you have moved on and that is always encouraging. Thank you.
If only that hope didn’t get replaced by knowledge. Yet knowledge is important, too.
But at least you have the memories and visual proof of happier times XXX
Thank you Georgina yes there is that way of looking at it.
How well I remember doing this – looking back at old memories – decisions and choices made so long ago. The results not always how we thought they could be. I can appreciate your words ” His naivety plunging him
To places he never imagined
From which he struggles to recover.” I hope that he does recover and thrive.
Thanks Elle he is doing ok these days…
When I look at old pictures like that I always have a feeling of “who was that girl.” I look at her with wonder, pride, exasperation, and relief that I’ve grown from all that. You’ve written well of this.