All five photographs were taken

In really quick succession
So this forth one might well,
To the untrained eye, appear just the same
As the first of my nefarious spread.
But I see the difference because
I know it was taken after we laughed 
At some silly family remembrance.
In that heightened moment I recalled:
She was housebound and we once persuaded
Her to come out for a drive in the car,
Assuring her no-one would see her 
Clothing or her bedroom slippers
And we drove her to the Forest Drive
Where we all enjoyed an ice-cream treat
Before heading back to her Sunday flat.
In retrospect that was probably
Her last trip out of her home -
Other than inside an ambulance
During the remaining twelve months.
But back to the forth photograph:
There is just a different glint
To be seen in her ageing eyes.
It was nice to hear her laughter
And see a warm and open facial smile.
Then we ate the fish and chips
We'd bought from the local shop
Seated around her Ercol table
With bespoke upholstered chairs:
(A little pomp and ceremony left
Over from her more active days.)
Then that most English of things
We made and drank a cup of Tea.
Life grants us these moments
As opportunities to wipe the slate
But for me (I can't speak for her)
They never really bore fruit.

© Griffonner 2025