Amelia Fielden
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

The Rhythm of Life

White Fish Lake, Montana; July 2011. Almost six years ago. Such a short time, really.

Look at the man in the photo, a proud old salt, about to show his small grandson the way to paddle over the sunlit lake.

Look at the boy, smiling, entrusting himself to the strong arms of his grandpa.

Today, the man is propped up in a nursing home bed, his dulled eyes wandering across the scenes in the video we are trying to show him.

It's the grandson he does not recognize now, racing his own kayak.

the year turns
into another spring—
our star jasmine
no longer thrusts upwards
yet its perfume remains