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?