-THE LONG GOODBYE - POTD


They sit in silence at the table
Eating their evening meal
He gently wipes the food from her face
This life they now live still feels so surreal

She now sits in her recliner chair
While he makes her a cup of tea
Emotionless and still
She stares blankly at the T.V

He closes his weary eyes and remembers
The who she used to be
Her sweetness, her laughter
And a life together fulfilled and happy

Asleep now in her chair
He reflects on where she has gone
Alone and confused in her own mind
He has missed her for so long

He helps her put on her nightie
Gets her tucked into bed
His kisses her and voices “l love you my sweet”
As he gently strokes her head

She takes his hand and  squeezes it softly 
As a lone tear rolls down her cheek
He smiles ,cuddles and reassures her
Lovingly whispers  “Oh there you are my sweet”!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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12
Poet Avatar
January 18, 2024 at 10:28 AM
Deb, your poem is an emotionally resonant depiction of love that triumphs over the difficulties associated with dementia. The candid instances that you have documented evoke profound sentiments of kindness and introspection. Congrats on a well-deserved POTD
M  Avatar
January 18, 2024 at 10:45 AM
Thankyou Lasaad! Debx
Sharma  Avatar
January 18, 2024 at 1:47 AM
Heartiest congratulations on receiving the honour of POTD, beautiful Deb.. (Sorry, I'm a lil late in wishing).. This poem really was so deserving and it touched my heart..
M  Avatar
January 18, 2024 at 9:02 AM
Thankyou gorgeous girl….Debx
Lamoureux Avatar
January 17, 2024 at 11:04 PM
I see as well that it’s POTD. Big congratulations.
M  Avatar
January 18, 2024 at 1:24 AM
Thanks Richard! Debx
Lamoureux Avatar
January 17, 2024 at 11:03 PM
This is beyond moving. A masterpiece. Some people will write a lifetime and not write something as special as this piece.
M  Avatar
January 18, 2024 at 1:24 AM
Wow…..Richard what can l say to a comment as complimentary as what you have written! Honestly, l am blown away….thankyou so much….you have made my day and perhaps my poetry lifetime!! Debx
Kendrick Avatar
January 17, 2024 at 5:23 AM
This is a hard thing for everyone who has to go through it. It is hard for the person who has dementia (in the early stages), and it is hard for those who are closest to them. You have described it as if you know it very well. Thanks for sharing it with us and for dropping by my page. Sara
M  Avatar
January 18, 2024 at 1:25 AM
Thankyou so much Sara…..appreciate your kind words! Debx
Rodgers Avatar
January 15, 2024 at 4:33 PM
Deb M, your poem is a heart-wrenching portrayal of love enduring through the challenges of dementia. The tender moments you've captured resonate deeply, evoking empathy and reflection. Your words beautifully convey the bittersweet journey of love in the face of profound change. - Blessings, Daniel
M  Avatar
January 16, 2024 at 1:37 PM
What a wonderful comment Daniel….l so appreciate your thoughts and kind words! Thankyou…always ….Debx Call me Deb no need for the M ha! X
Flood Avatar
January 15, 2024 at 10:59 AM
Wonderful, Deb. So many of us live in dread of this eventuality but so many are living it now. A most worthy POTD. Congrats.
M  Avatar
January 16, 2024 at 1:36 PM
Cheers my funny friend! Always a pleasure…Debx
Hawkins Avatar
January 14, 2024 at 4:14 PM
A beautiful poem, so tender and poignant, t could not have been expressed better, Deb. Congratulations on POTD. A fave for me. Wow!!! Take care, Old Duck XX
M  Avatar
January 16, 2024 at 1:35 PM
Awww my sweet lovely friend…thankyou so much! I miss you a lot! Debx
Messina Avatar
January 14, 2024 at 5:15 AM
So lovely, Deb. Life and love described wonderfully. Belated Congratulations on POTD! Charliex
M  Avatar
January 16, 2024 at 1:34 PM
Thanks Cheeky Charlie! Debx
Buehler Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 9:47 PM
A sad and beautiful tale of love. Congratulations on POTD, Deb. Blessings and hugs. :)
M  Avatar
January 16, 2024 at 1:34 PM
Hi Evelyn….appreciate your kind words! Debx
Willason Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 8:27 PM
Catches the expression of love at its most sublime...selfless giving. A very moving poem Deb, one that causes reflection and engagement in the experiece of the tragic.
M  Avatar
January 16, 2024 at 1:33 PM
Hey Paul….so nice to see you and receive such a gracious comment! Debx
Allison Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 5:39 PM
such a touching piece Deb, my heart goes out to anyone in this situation and sadly its a scenario many of us can relate to:-) many congrats on POTD, hugs jan xx
M  Avatar
January 16, 2024 at 1:32 PM
Thankyou lovely Jan…..good to see you! Debx
Wolf Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 5:35 PM
So poignant... and authentic. We are 'at that age' where this stuff happens too often to us. ~ Grandpa
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 11:21 PM
Thankyou Grandpa BB!! Appreciate your kind thoughts! Debx
Baker Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 5:09 PM
That's so sad, but so lovely and loving at the same time. That will happen to most of us at some point in our lives. A loved one will slowly slip away. I hope we will be as loving as he is or was. Congratulations on your POTD, Deb! Enjoy your special day of recognition, my friend! Hugs, Bill
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 5:16 PM
Thankyou my texan buddy…..always lovely to hear your thoughts my friend!…Hope you are well! Debx
Mcintosh Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 2:09 PM
Congrats on POTD. God bless you always. love, Gina
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 2:34 PM
Thankyou Gina….God bless you also….Sebx
Grieves Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Dear Deb, These words are so full of truth and emotion. Never a better POTD - especially for those of us dealing with similar situations.. This is a beautiful tribute and I wish you love and blessing for all that this means x
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 2:34 PM
Hi Christopher….what a truly lovely comment with such kind words! Thankyou so so much! I am very appreciative! Debx
Nicole Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Deb, your words hold so many tender emotions. Yesterday, my step grandmother left this world, and as my father says, she's now with my grandfather (his father) in heaven. She had this terrible disease. Cherish those around you and hold each moment close. Your thoughts caress gently around me and my heart. Congratulations on Poem of the Day. Many wonderful blessings to you. Hugs, Brandy
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 2:36 PM
Cuddles for you Brandy…Take good care ! Debx
Nicole Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 1:40 PM
Hi Deb, I'm doing well. Life is indeed fragile. You're very welcome for the comment, my dear friend.
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 11:21 AM
Oh Brandy l am so sorry to hear that…..l hope you are doing ok…..that is so very sad! I appreciate you leaving such a lovely comment…..Thankyou….Debx
Greenhough Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 10:34 AM
Congratulations on your POTD. Your poem accentuates the fears of all seniors.
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 10:49 AM
Yes it does Hilda unfortunately….thankyou for your Congratulations l appreciate your comment! Debx
Slaughter Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 10:27 AM
An excellent selection for POTD...or any other day, Deb.
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 10:45 AM
Aww thanks very sweet Jim …l appreciate your kind words! Debx
Parker Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 10:25 AM
Poignant POTD, Deb. :o(
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 10:44 AM
Thanks Mr Arlo! Debx
Goldsmith Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 10:11 AM
Back with Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed your lovely/wonderful write again. Have a blessed day with your win as you write away...............
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 10:40 AM
Hi Paula….thankyou again dear friend! Debx
Ray Choudhury Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 9:58 AM
Touching, and sad! Dear Poet, you have portrayed the picture of kindness and empathy dealing a terrible disease so well! Congratulations on your POTD.
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 10:40 AM
Thankyou so much Malabika….l appreciate your kind words! Debx
Fowler Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 8:56 AM
Heartbreaking Deb. So well-written. Congratulations on the honor of POTD! LO :)
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 9:03 AM
Awww L.O always a pleasure to see your cute peekaboo face hehe! Thankyou so much for your congratulations! Debx
Kaufman Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 7:59 AM
So sweet, yet sad Deb. I felt your great compassion in this poem. Congratulations on the honor of POTD. God Bless..
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 9:02 AM
Hi Nancy….l appreciate your lovely comment my friend….thankyou so much! Debx
Doll Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 6:48 AM
Deb, a masterful poem about a horrible disease. So deserving of POTD. Congratulations'~ Warren
M  Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 6:56 AM
Aww thanks Warren thats so nice of you to say! I appreciate your kind thoughts! Debx
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