A photograph in a box
Within a pile of others.
Fading slowly over time
Like two waning lovers.

You told me I was the one for you.
Talking for hours, forming our dreams
We set down plans to start a home.
But you weren’t honest, so it seems.

You left me to be with another man.
And left my heart in aching pieces.
Though they say time heals all things.
The pain of losing you increases.

I’d have given you anything at all.
Why did you go? Was I suffocating?
How come he was more appealing?
Your reply I know will be devastating.

Maybe you were always very calculating.
And you strung me along just for fun.
I hope to goodness that’s not true.
I’m a decent man, not a hit and run.

I loved you dearly with all my heart.
Now I’m just a photograph in a box.
A memory from the distant past.
As Auden said, ‘Stop all the clocks.’

A photograph in a box
Within a pile of others
Fading slowly over time
Like two waning lovers