Leaning

Time slowly takes its eroding toll, and eventually, they begin to resemble the fragile, gossamer vases of antiquity. Gone are the robust features of youth and the supple, nurturing hands of parents. In their place the bent delicacy of age.

Once strong frames now lean inward, toward the comforting support of the young. A time of uncertainty; a time of tacit fear. The gusto of yesterday is replaced by a newly discovered vulnerability, as they cling tightly to their fading, black and white memories.

Their reward for the years of work, sacrifice and tears, rests temporarily, in the arms of their grown children.