The Picture

Old sailor o'er the mantelpiece
And mellow Chalet e'er release
From pain and struggle with the foe,
This tranquil time 'fore letting go.

The fire reflecting off the floor,
Two smaller lights warm up some more,
While Christmas tree at edge is seen,
Warm winter night, now quite serene.

Best photos capture moments where
The past and future link to there,
Yet neither in the pix remain –
Like still-life, are just out of frame:

The past in flooring can be seen,
Old Seignior's house it once has been,
Restored to this with loving care
Historic life still mingles there;

The future also is quite plain,
Though not in picture just the same,
The parting ways – love’s hands outstretched
A friendship deep – for both, the best.

So as around the fire there
Last moments linger in the air,
As folks have done long eons past
The parting time comes nigh at last.

But then I see more than that view
Of horizontal life review:
For vertical, just out of frame
Speaks of the past and future same –

For spiritual has been your life
As journeyed both through adult life;
Such mystery love here below,
As with the future when we go.

So both surround this picture frame
Like sailor looking down the same;
What of his life out on this sea
What past and future life, like thee?

A moment captured here in time –
Serene the view, the love sublime;
I'm glad you sent this moment here –
It now entwines our future tear.

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