Mantel Photo

That old frame leans left

On the mantel by the lamp

Your smile’s gone soft now

But it still fills up the room

Edges turned to gold

By the sun through the blinds

I dust it every Sunday

Like I’m brushing your hand

We said forever once

Now the paint has peeled

But I still see us there

In that cracked-up field

That faded photo

Still knows our names

That faded photo

Won’t wash out the flame

We were young in that frame

And I’m still there too

That faded photo

Keeps me close to you

The porch board still squeaks

When the rain comes down

I hear your boots in the hall

Then I turn around

Your scarf in the drawer

Your ring in the dish

Little things keep talking

Like they know what we miss

Time took the color

Left the shape behind

But your eyes in that picture

Still look straight through mine

That faded photo

Still knows our names

That faded photo

Won’t wash out the flame

We were young in that frame

And I’m still there too

That faded photo

Keeps me close to you

Saxophone crying in the back room

Fingerpicks shining like rain

If I hold that frame a little tighter

Maybe memory calls your name

Say it slow

Say it right

One more time

In my mind

That faded photo

Still knows our names

That faded photo

Won’t wash out the flame

We were young in that frame

And I’m still there too

That faded photo

Keeps me close to you