Screen 28
A young art student with the same passion he once had, makes Bill re-evaluate his decision to pursue a steady paycheck.
A Harry Chapin inspired story-song that touches on dreams, choices, and taking a chance before it's too late.
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Screen 28
© Jim Molinelli
[Verse 1]
I run security at the art museum, 40 monitors provide my light,
I watch for her on screen 28, because it's Thursday night…
Just before evening rounds, I catch myself in the mirror’s glow.
My clothes are clean and crisp, but the years have begun to show.
[Chorus]
As I look at screen 28… she’s does what I used to do…
She’s filling up her pages… while I just watch on screens of blue.
And she’ll come again next week… on Thursday night.
[Verse 2]
As I enter the sculpture garden, her youthfulness makes me aware,
The past few years have softened me–extra pounds and thinner hair.
“Hello Sarah. More sketches for class?“ She nods, “Yep, hi Bill.”
“NYU art is kicking my ass,” and she starts a new charcoal still.
“I graduated there myself you know, I could show you a thing or two?”
With a soft smile she says "that's sweet,” and turns back to her view.
[Chorus]
As I look at screen 28… she does what I used to do…
She’s filling up her pages… while I just watch on screens of blue.
And she’ll come again next week… on Thursday night.
[Verse 3]
As I amble back to my monitors, a new weight settles in my heart,
After watching her sketch this week, as I watched over the museum’s art.
In the glowing dark I recall that day, I packed my own brushes away.
Trading oil paints and turpentine, for lonely nights… and steady pay.
[Chorus]
As I look at screen 28… she does what I used to do…
She’s filling up her pages… while I just watch on screens of blue.
And she’ll come again next week… on Thursday night.
[Verse 4]
"So that's my story, Mary... your eggs were great today."
she lays my check on the counter, looks me in the eye to say,
“You still have tools and canvases, you should try again to paint.
It’s what you always loved, Bill… but there’s only time... until there ain’t.”