A Faded Man

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog

A Faded Man

A faded man with dulled glories from yesterday

no planning for tomorrow just living for today

fractured remembrances he can no longer view

strange faces replaced the family that he knew

memories erased from the chalkboard of his mind

leaving no recollection of the wife he left behind

Inspiration is all around us. I recently viewed (for the umpteenth time) a wonderful movie based on a book (The Notebook) from one of my favorite authors, Nicholas Sparks.  It reminded me of Nancy Reagan and the sad end to President Ronald Reagan’s glorious life.

Today, coincidentally, is the thirtieth anniversary of the first meeting between Reagan and Gorbachev.

One other note: We don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to be grateful.

Keep writing.

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128 thoughts on “A Faded Man”

    1. We watched the movie the other night. My wife asked if I would read to her to remind her of our love. Started reaching for the tissues. This truly pains me too. Thank you for reading and commenting. I am so happy to know you. That post I read last night, touched me. Haven’t stopped thinking about it. Thanks for stopping by.

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  10. You know what made that movie touch my heart, the fact that they both died together.. I wish I could be so blessed to die with my beloved 🙂 And I never knew that Reagan and ‘The Notebook’ had similarities! Lovely poem 🙂

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  11. You’re absolutely right…we don’t have to wait for one day out of the year to be thankful; it should be a daily activity:) Beautiful and bittersweet poem. I can’t imagine what it is like to have a life-long partner fade away mentally:( Many say that towards the end of their life they recall wonderful memories. Must be very scary and lonely for those suffering from memory loss and their loved ones around them. My heart goes out to them.

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    1. Nena, I almost needed a tissue after reading your response. 1) Everyday that we open our eyes in the morning we have a reason to be grateful. How many people took their last breath today? 2) Thanks for enjoying the poem. 3) I can’t imagine the agony of caring for someone who no longer remembers you. I hope none of us every experiences that. 4) Thank you for reading. Thank you for your support. I am thankful to have such wonderful followers. Take care.

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      1. Your lovely poem evoked the same emotions for me. I, too, hope we don’t have to experience something like this and I keep those that I know are going through it in my prayers. Take care as well, dear “bluddy”:)

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  18. Whenever u cry, dont wipe out tears with tissue. Wipe ur teats with ur hand, fingers. Let the skin feel the tears. I never use tissue. I think it is absurd.

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  20. Touching poem, full in its brevity. It’s not just the fading that is so painful. It’s the fracturing of heart, mind, relationships. Nothing remains the same. Those who suffer the disease forget so much. Those of us who stand by remember everything. And all of it hurts.

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    1. Well said. I almost feel like I should give a review about your thoughtful comment. I can’t even begin to imagine how Nancy or others in this situation felt. Thank you stopping by and contributing to the conversation. I really appreciate it.

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  21. Originally I lived in New York. Walking the city streets I feel as if I have seen every face that fits this story. It is a common story, but one that elicits many different emotions. Some just say, “what a bum.” Others wonder what story can be found gazing into their eyes. Still others want to reach out and let these people know their existence is important. This story is greatly relevant. Not only does it demonstrate societal problems this country faces, it provides opportunity to the reader to evaluate their own character based on their personal response to the character in the story.
    I enjoyed it very much.

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    1. You described New York City perfectly. Having worked in home health care for several years, I have a sense of the social problem dementia/alzheimer can pose. It is terrible for the patient and perhaps more heart wrenching for the family, Thanks for stopping by.

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  26. As the memories start to dissipate in the minds of the ones we leave behind, we do actually become more and more one with thin air. We do not feel, hurt, or have to deal with any mortal worries.
    What a keen observation of a life’s post-journey.

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  31. I have seen this happen with several relatives. One currently still living…
    It is a hard nut to crack. The best we can do is honor who they present themselves as at any particular moment that we talk with them.

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  35. Beautiful. I love The Notebook also. I cannot imagine the pain each one goes through. The one in that terrifying state of alienation and the other not being known or loved anymore. So heartbreaking and such a beautiful declaration of love. Thank you for such a lovely post! 🌹

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  41. The poem is lovely. I love the flow and the use of words. Great work. I like reading poetry like yours. Your poems are like I have found a box of full of treasures. I can’t make myself stop reading them. Thank you for finding me and letting me find you.

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  42. Reblogged this on The Lonely Author and commented:

    Normally, I like to keep my posts fresh, but a reblog of this post would be fitting today. I have never liked the saying “behind every great man there is a great woman”or the different variations. It should never have been recited in schools because it only served to perpectuate the perceived differences between the sexes and the notion that women need to be behind men. The words should have said, behind every great man there is A SHADOW. That great woman is standing by his side and possibly in front of him, as President Ronald Reagan credited Nancy Reagan. He often said she pushed him to make many of his decisions including the improvement of relations with Gorbachev and the ending of the Cold War. This year, for the first time, a woman may run for President, according to many in President Reagan’s cabinet, a woman has already served in the White House.

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  44. Love the sober poem. I was too busy raising babies during the Reagan years to pay very much attention to him and at that time, I was very politically unaware and disinterested. However, when I hear snippets of his speeches now I surely, hear a difference from what we’ve had in recent years. He wasn’t perfect but he was a leader someone, who brought people together on important values. We need to pray for such a leader now.

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    1. You took the words out of my mouth. Like everyone Reagan made his errors, but he did lead & he never resorted to the embarrassing behaviour we witness today. I have read much about Nancy, she was an amazing woman. Many claim she lead the White House behind the scenes. The President Reagan never hesitated to admit his accomplishments were due to her. Beautiful couple. Both equal. Thanks for reading. I hope a leader comes along who can fix our problems and begin the healing process.

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        1. So true. Without trying to preach, I am sure you will understand me. Man has lost his way. Today, people find it easier to hate, criticize, and judge. I will never understand it. I find it so much easier to love and encourage. Perhaps, some men haven’t evolved as much as Chimps.

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          1. LOL! Some days, I think we are devolving…but what chimps have is self-acceptance as chimps…we on the other hand like to play God. You can preach to me anytime. I love good preaching, as long as it’s delivered with love and humility.:0) and honest.

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