Distance

There are seventy-five years

of distance between me,

and the black and white photograph 

of a little boy on a rope swing.

My father, Richard,

made this rope swing;

tied to a high tree branch,

sturdy and strong like he was.

My mother, Lillian,

who took the photo in 1951,

said I was a shy and quiet little boy.

I would like to get

inside his head.

I would like 

to give him a push.

© 2026 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Ada Township - Kent County - Michigan