once was

we like to hold onto them, 

filling colored boxes with our memories,
storing best times in the attic.

we like to think that there were times
when we were happy-
happier then
than we are now.

we like to think that smiles caught
on film can erase the weight of
life pressing in from both sides of the shutter.

but perhaps
until a picture ages (as do we)
it cannot speak the truth.