They’re trying to hold the shape
of their smiles while wrestling
with their darlings who, it seems,
would rather be anywhere than planted
on their knees: mum and thunderous son,
dad clutching daughter, as she flails
towards something in flight.
The photographer clicks anyway.
They’ve made an effort: the knits
are new and ties are properly knotted.
Poor parents. These are the cuckoos
they let into their cherished nest.
