Write it down

I know WHO they are,

My Aunts,

Their faces, younger, happier 

Seemingly carefree.

My Grandmother,

Looking like the cat 

Who swallowed the canary!

But I so wish I knew

What they were dressed for,

Where they were going,

When this photo was taken,

Why they are so happy!

I've been looking closely

at this for a while,

Recursively considering

 the year, the occasion, the possibilities.

Was this before they left the farm?

Was this a visit back to the country?

Was this a graduation, wedding, 

Was this for Easter Sunday?

I've looked recursively.

I've looked closely.

I've wondered;

but, I do not know.

Future generations will have to search

Photos mixed among clouds.

They too will see faces 

that look vaguely familiar

They too will know only one side

of the story

unless we write it down.