Richmond Trailer Camp Children, 1942

--based on a photograph by Ansel Adams

Frank Zona

I was twelve when
the man with the
camera showed us
in the crowded
trailer clutching one

another hard my sister
frightened and five
looked away trying to
hide in her hair
the baby held my

knee and watched
Nineteen forty-two
and Dad was dead
in the war and Mom

worked nights welding
in the shipyard, I
took care of them
at home 'though
I was scared and not

very old. My sister
was so afraid she
would have run at
a whisper. Baby, on
her sturdy legs,

was only curious.