Four women lean in, a tight circle of Grulich Women
The youngest 8 months, the eldest 86 years
Each face an age progression of the one before
Paired with that glowing milky Grulich skin
We are an advertisement for Pond’s beauty cream
Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, Great grandmother
Women who kiss foreheads and murmur gracious compliments
Four sharp nubbed noses and jutting chins
Strong women, who pick up the pieces left behind
Four pairs of cornflower eyes winking up at the camera
Women who don’t cry, even when they’re left alone
Four toothy smiles balling up four sets of cheeks
Women who laugh at the days to come
If I close my eyes, I can see another picture,
A trio of gentlemen, three un-lost generations ’round the child
A somber, iron haired great-grandfather with knotty hands
Healthy enough to travel cross-country to meet his first great grand-child
A salt and pepper grandfather with a neat mustache and
Sinewy olive fingers that cradle a grandchild instead of dialing long distance
A lean, brown faceless father aglint with a golden ring and pride
Face alight at the sight of his first born