Madame Charpentier and Her Children

Frilly blue dresses, petticoats and curls,
Coy smiles from jokes shared.

Daughter rests on beloved dog,
Fur firmly grasped in small fingers.

Vivid colors and quick brushtrokes,
The family is alive.

Mother reaching for daughter,
Before the innocence ends,

Before she pulls away.
Sleeves fall off shoulders,
Shoe-smothered toes rub sock-covered calves.

Black-clad Mother lounging alongside,
Father hidden in the corner.

Long-lashed lids begin to droop,
And Father says goodnight.