get into the picture dear
just a little to the right, dont make a fuss
no george cant be in, it'll only be a second
of course he's important too but-
yes i know dear, he is part of the family but this is a portrait
and besides he looks so raggedy and patched and! if only you'll let him take a bath but no you dont listen you never listen
in fact you know what: you dont have a choice.
i'm putting him in the Machine.
no dont try that with me this time i'm not giving in.
quiet, you're always spoiling her! just like the last time when -

oh i give UP! that bundle of cloth can be in too alright?
no im sorry i didnt mean to shout - nono i'm sorry
dont cry dont cry here: teddy's back ok now hushh and
say cheese when i say three ok? - no not this three when i say THREE
no wait why dont you i'll say one then two then three and then you
oh for the love of god!
this child will be the death of me.
ok just keep saying cheese till i-
yes i know your mouth must hurt, that's why i said
wait till i say three
nooo not that time, when i say the numbers in succession
ok you know what wait: now.
one. two. three. cheese!

(the aged snapshot spatters the floor
where young feet pattered, years before.)