Perception stripped bare
searching for a truth that lingers
just beneath the trimmings of chaotic lives
to find strength in a place where
the damaged are beautiful
and even heroes can be fallible

Colors bleed into each story
of a black and white world yet unmalleable

Whether in a mystic moonlight that bathes
the perfect setting, one made of dreams, or
in a long-abandoned building that weeps
with mildewed tears and shattered windows
that old photographer knows
the mighty shall rise to this

a dare to dream
a chance for bliss

And so he works with a steady hand,
a gentle voice, and a patient ear
His eyes see what could be
His heart believes in the value
buried deeply in each subject
Value blessed with faith and a little magic

Exposures to be developed
to reveal joy from what was tragic

A step back in time to happier days
A stride toward the belief in the future
He transforms his subjects one shot at a time
and when he is done, he slips his gear
into his bag and fades quietly away
preferring to let his picture tell the tale

Black and white photographs will fade
but the colors of hope shall prevail

Image Credit- Pixabay- Ariadne-a-mazed
Prompts: Go Dog Go Cafe – Tuesday Writing Prompt Challenge, Eugi’s Causerie – Weekly Prompt, Keep It Alive – What Do You See, Lyric Ideas