Windows Of The Past
Windows of the past – Since my early attempts of photography using the original Polaroid Instamatic camera I have been fascinated with the power of photography. Looking at old photos of your family can have and leave an emotional impact on you, as you view slices of time from your past. As a youngster, I would read science-fiction about time travel and longed for the day that it would be possible. I would come to realize it was already possible with the power and magic of windows of the past. Often some photos give you a glimpse of how your relatives lived and did things before you were born. They never knew that the photos that were being taken would in time become viewed by those that never knew them, but never less loved them. I know for me that viewing these shared memories in old black and white and sepia that were most of the time grainy, out of focus have always been a treat for me to travel down a forgotten past. At the end of life, it really is just memories that we leave behind in the ones we love. Leave behind a photo or two to help those remember you. Travel the roads of yesteryear and go find that old shoe box or dusty album of family photos so you can smile or cry, of those that made you what you are today.
“Windows of the Past”
Just the other day I found them among the dust and the mold,
Images of long ago, sifting through, my history began to unfold.
An old cardboard shoebox full of tiny windows of the past,
Pulling the top off in the swirling dust, “What do I have here” – I asked.
Long lost treasure of my family in sepia, and black and white,
At the top of the box, forgotten and dusty memories suddenly came to light.
Photos looked back at me, reminded me who I loved and when they passed,
Emotion back and forth, remembering when I saw them last.
One moment sadness would overcome me and eyes fill with tears,
To be replaced suddenly with happiness I felt down through the years.
Grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins, some still with me, I must make a call,
Deeper into the box were photos of the ones passed that I never knew at all.
Thankfully, I now have in possession my treasure box of hidden family gold,
Grateful that I was able to save it from the swirling dust and thicken mold.
By Kurt James
Kurt James © 2016
Kurt James 2nd novel “Rocky Mountain Retribution” now is available in print form or for Kindle on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, Walmart and many other stores that carry the books you love to read.
The Denver Post, PM Magazine, and 9NEWS, all well-known Denver, Colorado media sources, have highlighted the powerful and evocative work of poet and novelist Kurt James. Focusing on Old West history, Kurt contributes feature articles to HubPages and Creative Exiles, exploring the eerie silence of ghost towns, the thrilling tales of outlaws and gunfighters, and the evocative imagery found in the Rocky Mountains.
Kurt’s early admiration for writers such as Jack London, Louis L’Amour, and Max Brand played a significant role in honing his skills as a storyteller. Twenty-one books (and counting!) transport readers to the Colorado Rockies and the Old West through Kurt’s vivid descriptions; the feel of rough-hewn cabins, the sounds of coyotes howling under starry skies, and the smells of campfire smoke and sagebrush are all palpable.
Find Kurt James novels, short stories, reference books, and poetry—published by Midnight Wind Publishing—in print copies or digital downloads at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and other excellent bookstores; explore the diverse range of formats available.
Currently in production - The 10th book in his Rocky Mountain Series - Lee Moomaw Former Lawman.
Kurt is a proud member of the Western Writers of America, a group that values storytelling.
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Old family photos are indeed a treasure. I loved reading your memoir and poem, Kurt. Great work.
Thank you Phyllis, the power of old photos still amaze and even more so as I grow older…
Our heritage a fascination, as we are truly here because of them our ancestors. And we may carry just a little of each of them, bringing our family forward in time. great subject and nicely rendered, Kurt. Cheers!
Thanks Tony for your compliment
Such wonderful and treasured photos that bring great memories. I love looking at your photos. It seems as if I could step back into another time. Thank you for sharing.
Rasma looking at old photos of my family always brings a smile or tear and I can’t help but think how much simpler times were back then – which in my book is a good thing. Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
Oh the memories that old black and white and sepia photos unfold, Kurt. My parents and all their siblings have passed on but I still have an abundance of photos to remember them by. My mother as a baby, young girl and on her wedding day. My father while in the Navy in WII, as well as his brothers. I remember life being much more innocent and simple growing up. This was a pleasure to read.
That is so awesome your comments. You have no idea how it makes me feel to bring forth those memories for yo with something I wrote….Thanks for commenting John.
I am glad that you uncovered that treasure of old family photos… it is like we are blessed a glimpse of the past to remember the precious people and moments we hold close to heart..lovely photos and a heartfelt tribute to them…thank you so much for sharing Kurt..
Thank you Anjana for stopping by and leaving a wonderful comment….