Pose

Pose

We have photographs, but they do not speak
of anything, except certain moments
frozen into meaninglessness.
A gesture of a hand, caught in motion.

Would it have become a caress or a fist?
Could that open mouth be speaking of love
or does it spit out sweet sour hatred?
Why are all eyes turned to beyond the frame?

Is someone running by dressed in nakedness
or is some mongrel pissing up a lamppost?
That faded auntie on the very back row
of your favourite wedding photograph,

is she caught - mouth open - wishing the couple the best
or complaining about her brand-new shoes,
maybe even questioning the bride's taste in dresses,
in bridesmaids, or even her choice of man?