Natalie Merchant、R.E.M. - Photograph
I found this photograph
Underneath broken picture glass
Tender face of black and white
Beautiful a haunting sight
Looked into an angel's smile
Captivated all the while
From her hair
And clothes she wore
I'd have placed her
In between the wars
Was she willing when she sat
And posed a pretty photograph
To save her flowering and fair
For days to come
For 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
In stacks 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
The music to a standard tune by
Some forgotten big brass band
From the thresh hold
What's to see
Of our brave new century
Television's just a dream
Of radio and 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 rhyme
Or stolen books
Of passion 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
In love and laughter
Until the end