Tattered edges yellowed with time stains long forgotten just memories lost binding is cracked paint flaked away fine cotton string loops empty and broke pages are missing memories ripped away words half remembered stories fading away years since it once was new on the shelf wonders unknown yet still waiting to be read pages are lost now cruelly torn away fate is uncaring of tears shed in pain long are the nights now and empty the days sorrow and tears fill them yet pain still remains empty the shelf now all lost in time cracked words on the binding all that remain