PICTURE PERFECT

Before the digital camera...

Plates of glass captured images
In time, frozen fast, now faded.
Caracterture in tall hat, solemn,
Trying not to move or twitch.
Umbers, blacks, whites
Reminders of American history
Enshrined in box cameras like spirits.

Presidential, hand upon Bible,
Erect and breeze blown
Regal in his new command.
"Five more minutes sir."
Emulsion added to silver,
Chloride, nitrate, bromide;
This minute of history, slowly appears.