Cracked spine

One un-posed photograph.

They didn't gather and didn't smile. But they held close together to support the one with the sore back, the broken spine that insisted No, I need no help, just leave me be. Some believed it; some still kept a good hold on it in case it crumbled. And far too much hassle to call out an ambulance, some mumbled to themselves. Especially on New Years Day!

There's a crack, that's for remembrance; pray, / love, remember: and there is a spine, that's for thoughts.