take a long look at Winnie
commissioned in serious sepia
here she sits before a camera lens
focused on delicate pale features
her long dark ringlets cascade
into a wild mane over her left shoulder
her sad expression as though
she knows her days are numbered
encumbered with a disease
which stole away her breathing
sent her on a journey of no return
robbing her four brothers of a sibling
the child is sixteen, has barely lived
a portrait at the behest of parents
ensures she is dressed in her best attire
buttoned and covered to the throat
i hold her in warm hands
over a century since her demise
her eyes colder with the years
gathering the dust of byegone tears