By Tiggy Johnson.
This time I wanted to share one of my poems that I think is fitting for this time of year, when we’re all thinking about loved ones, especially those we’ve lost.
Photograph
for NanaI would like to have known you
before you served in the RAAF
when your parents were alive
before you married
divorced
had kids
watched one die.
I would like to have seen you
smile like this
more often
and to hear you laugh.
Even though I can’t have any of this
or to ask about that time
or anything
having found this picture
helps.
A version of this poem was first published in Cordite’s Jackpot issue, and then in Black Inc’s Best Australian Poems 2012.
I hope you all have a lovely festive season with family.