An Ideal Shape
……….and the 1950s

He lined us up in no conceivable
Arrangement, except a pyramidal
One, which is only just perceivable.
Our father’s smile is not a riddle;
He was a handsome, square-based man, and so
The group’s solidity depended on
Much more than smiles (though his were never slow)

And charm—yes, his was sprezzatura drawn.

Our eyes are drawn to him, not to the wave
In Helen’s hair or perfect childhood skin
On each photographer’s “touched up” face.  Save
For one solemn blond, happiness is in.
..Iconic in its weight, the portraits speak
….One truth and they acknowledge nothing bleak.

by phillipw | Dec 25, 2019 | WH | 2 comments