I found this photograph

underneath the broken picture glass

Tender face of black and white

Beautiful, a haunting sight

Looked into an angel's smile

captivated all the while

From the hair and clothes she wore

I'd place her in between the wars



Was she willing when she sat

and posed the pretty photograph?

Save her flowering and fair

the days to come, the days to share

A big smile for the camera

how did she know?

the moment could be lost forever

forever more



I found this photograph

stashed between the old joist walls

in a place where time is lost

lost behind, where all things fall

Broken books and calendars

letters script in careful hand

music too, a standard tune by

some forgotten big brass band



From the threshhold what's to see

of our brave new century?

The television's just a dream

the radio, the silver screen

A big smile for the camera

how did she know?

the moment could be lost forever

forever more



Was her childhood filled with rhymes

stolen hooks, impassioned crimes?

Was she innocent or blind

to the cruelty of her time?

Was she fearful in her day

was she hopeful, did she pray?

Were there skeletons inside

family secrets, sworn to hide?

Did she feel the heat that stirs

the fall from grace of wayward girls?

Was she tempted to pretend

the love and laughter, 'til the end?