4. monochrome

strictly speaking the layer of silver
emulsion is simply that         the image
couched as a future memory evoked
by the thrust of sculpted light from above
through the innocent negative         how else
to catch a momentary impulse         a kiss

a solitary leaf in space         the edge
of a shadow sliding across stone         strident
faces in a crowd pulling off feats
of unimaginable stupidity         a machine at rest

folding in on itself         cracking open in sunlight
expressed in tones of grey         emerging from
white in the tray         contrast precise to the second
& fixed         as though it could ever be real