Snapshot

I tape the final photo of them into my album.  

 We didn’t think it would be our last,  

  When it happened, hair parted and slicked back, picture perfect,   

         When our drinks were poured, cards spread, lips lacquered.  

And I see me, younger, squinting drunk through the lens. 

  We said see you tomorrow, and then, in that jarred  

        split, we realised tomorrow had quietly passed. 

                        We were new and whole and gaping,  

Eight grins, startled by the flash in the cold living room. 

   Our parting is straight, and narrow, and         sharp 

       In the summer we’ll meet again,  

               In the summer where tears and rain don’t fall 

We are ready for the rest of our lives without us 

  Please crush the air out of our lungs, breathing stings.  

        Our last snapshot,  

               Our last karaoke night,  

My camera needs developing. I will see them soon.