The Decline of a Man

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I met this man, a father, grandfather, a man of substance

A wealth of life, success from nothing, earned respect

No easy path yet won, built, from ruins to riches you might say

Not alone, side by side with a mother, grandmother, a woman of substance

This couple strived, created and achieved much, such a history

She is in mind so strong, directing, dominant in her life, a force

It can be seen even now in her frailty, she has much to be proud of, much to celebrate

So her loss comes not easy, I speak of her man, this clever man

As he begins to lose parts of his life, recent things, words, thoughts, discourse

Unremembered, oft repeated to those around him, tenfold sometimes

Yet to engage his history gone past, unlocks his memories and his eyes light

Almost a child emerges as he recalls, some fantasy mixed in, all with animation

Happiness surfaces, each tale delivered comes to life regardless of its reality

The joy is to listen, to respond, to support, to respect, it is an education

But mostly it is an honour to be part of this dance, even if short lived
And for the rest? Well slowly he loses piece by piece his recent life

Yet he remains happy, somehow younger in mind, and those around him

Give him safety, care, love, kindness, the irritations accepted, understood, tolerated

To see him find pleasure in simple things provides balance for the upset

I am glad I met this man

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022



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Date: 2/18/2022 2:56:00 AM
This so relatable, especially as we age and we meet people who can give us perspective on life... well expressed poetry..
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