They are in a forest clearing
somewhere in eastern Europe.
Eighty-five children in rows,
the taller ones standing behind.
Most of them are dressed alike,
rough orphanage issue.
There is a man on each side,
one in a suit and tie,
the other bearded in an army jacket.
They all stare at the camera,
unsmiling, in the way of old photos.
Over the children hover
ghostly shapes of overexposed sunlight.
The lens curves the picture,
creates a bubble that could float away.
The little faces gleam
in the wood’s filtered light,
pause here,
in the safety of this moment.
