Michael Henchman - Days By Degrees

Days By Degrees
© Michael Henchman

Brickman with his lunchbox, rests on the rubble
Looks at the work left, squinting in the sun
Vacation daydreams, spots a jet flying high
Clambers to his feet, heaves a long sigh

A woman sets a plant in a stained glass window
Waters it tenderly, reaching for her beer
Reads old love letters for the hundredth time
Brushes back her hair, wipes a tear from her eye

[chorus]
The hours pass slowly, days by degrees
Waiting for moments to finally believe
So many wishes floating up to the sky
While the gift of deliverance waits out of sight

Mops in a tenement, old man cleans the stains
Leans on the handle, pulls a watch from his pocket
Tents on a sidewalk, the din of machines
People restless and weary, it's too hard to sleep

[chorus]

The afternoon light is warm but it's fading
Flowers for sale in bright plastic pots
On the corner, as roses wait to be loved
Cocktail neon starts buzzing above

[chorus/outro]
The hours pass slowly, days by degrees
Waiting for moments to finally believe
Year after year, these days by degrees
So many sighs and so many dreams
What was once chosen to fill out a life
Maybe there's a chance… it'll work out this time