Playback

Each day her eyes stare empty
her mouth is wet and slack,
she looks just like a raggedy doll
lying awkwardly on her back.

Inside her head there's a drama
playing out behind her eyes,
she fancies she feels the sun on her skin
smiling down from summer blue skies.

She sees limbs that are long and supple
a tiny nipped in waist,
a complexion like alabaster
a young and beautiful face.

She hears the voice of her husband,
full of loving and gentleness,
feels feathery kisses covering her mouth
his warm and soft caress.

She's there at the door when the boy arrives,
the sight of him fills her with dread.
Opening up the telegram that reads,
'Missing presumed dead'

Years spent alone with his children,
her joy at seeing them grow.
Sharing their pain and their sorrow
missing a daddy they'd never know.

Her life's been long and fruitful,
the love they'd shared, she'd never forget
even though, times she'd felt lonely,
not one moment would she ever regret.

In her mind she plays back her lifetime
like a film on a silver screen,
yet somehow she perceives it's her last curtain call
and almost the end of her scene.