On Poetry Friday, Mary Lee used this photo she took of herself with her brother and her nephew to inspire a triptych poem. I am reposting here with permission.
A triptych poem follows the guidelines similar to a triptych painting with three distinct panels tied together by color and theme. Here is a copy of Mary Lee’s poem about the photo.
I’ve been taking a course with Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. Last week she shared a poem by Matthew Rohrer, “There is Absolutely Nothing Lonelier”. I borrowed his first line to write my photo poem today.
There is nothing more hopeful
than summer shadows
following a path—
reaching long, like stilts
on festival clowns.
I wonder if my shadow
would fit in; it’s certainly tall enough.
Shadows still to welcome all.
Margaret Simon, draft
Please join me in writing today to this photo. Leave a small poem in the comments and offer encouragement to each other.
Reflections on the Teche 
This photo pulled me back to your blog after a long absence during my husband’s final illness, and at the perfect moment, it seems. The photo and poems pulled me back to a time when our son was a little boy and we were “we three”.
There was a time we were
“we three” but now
your shadow gone—
we two bereft, circling
with the many more of us
own your gifts of love and wisdom,
solidity and safety
and hold on tight.
Draft, Carol Coven Grannick
Carol, I am glad my photo helped you to return with this poem that begins in sadness (“bereft” says it all), but ends with such strength and love.
Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. This poem says so much. The missing shadow stings. I hope you can find solace in writing.
Thank you, Margaret—I do.
Carol, I am sorry for the loss of your husband. I imagine he was by your side as you wrote this powerful and poignant poem. Thank you for the advice in your poem. Hold on tight is a great ending. You have moved me. May your husband rest in peace and love.
Thank you, Gail—
Carol, I’m glad you came back today to write this triptych poem with a dear missing part, your dear husband “your gifts of love and wisdom / solidity and safety” show such a strong and beloved person. My condolences.
Thank you, Denise—
Thank you for the honor of sharing my photo and poem for “This Photo Wants to be a Poem.”
if not for shadows
we might forget to turn back
and praise the life-light
How true and how lovely, Mary Lee!
Thank you Margaret—