Faded As My Jeans

Time takes its toll. Artwork: Faded by Nikolina Petolas

The colour drains

from once bright cheeks,

eyes loose their sparkle

to the opaqueness

of wasted years.

The voice,

once heard

from the mountain,

is barely a whisper

in the glen now.

No more than a soft breeze

without  the strength

to ruffle hair

or tug at coats.

Thoughts

still burn like coals

but there is little point

stoking a fire

that is already cold.

So I simply stop

and wait

as death approaches.

 

24/04/19

Author's Note

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

as old singers age towards death...their voice is still heard over the mountains...but only as a whisper...harder for them to find the right key...but just as we age and still try to write the words...they still try to give them voice.
it is what we do...even to the grave...we will try...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes, yes and yes Jacob. Indeed Kris looks very old in thias video and his voice, although still good, has lost its edge.

[gram linski]

even in the midst of dead coals embers can be found, just waiting on a breath of fresh air, waiting to ignite the night,, enjoyed,

[John Alexander McFadyen]

If one is fortunate the air will catch those embers. Many thanks gram!

[Edie Blue Starfish]

I think that when you know it's coming, death, that you just accept it.
Faded jeans maybe have lost their vibrancy but they grow comfortable over the years.
Just as life does after we get older and more settled and stable. And then when it's time, we let go.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Totally agree Edie. Many thanks.

[Eilis]

This feels pretty mournful to me, John. It makes me think of someone who feels a love they’ve long relied on is fading away. Love is such a tricky thing, when you’re in it for awhile. It shifts so much. The highs and lows. It’s challenging.

I went to see my in-laws at the weekend and I’ve been part of the family for about 25 years or so, so I’ve seen a lot of moods there. But, they are in thier seventies and for the first time since I’ve known them they were flirting with one another. Married for 50 years. Just witnessing that made me think about how anything can surprise me, no matter how settled it seems.

Anyway, I thought of that again when I read your poem. The ending surprised me here. But, endings often do.

I enjoyed reading.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes I see that sort of thing in life now and again. I guess this is trying to reflect the feelings when life seems to have reached and empy cul de sac and all the energy has been sapped. Many thanks Eilis.

[kentuck14]

John,
Great images in this piece! I can see them clearly. There are days when I feel quite "faded" myself . . .
physically at least. I guess I choose to continue to stoke the coals . . . I enjoy watching the red glow underneath them! Especially enjoyed the Line, "No more than a soft breeze . . . tug at coats." Actually I find comfort in this image. I'm still alive and am glad to be reminded. Thanks for sharing . . . gave pause to think.
Tom

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Tom for your indulgence this 'fine' Wednesday. Keep stoking those coals!

[kentuck14]

will do Sir!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I wasn't expecting that last line. "...as death approaches." Wow, what an impact. It made me go back and read it again. Good writing, John!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Kelly; long time no see?

[Kelly Scheppers]

I had a rib injury that sidelined me for a while, but I'm feeling much better now!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You will have to stop playing rugby union!

[Kelly Scheppers]

...lol, you got it!

[Chris Shaw]

Time can take its toll. Maybe it has with Kris, and his voice might not be what it once was. But then on the other hand look at Tom Jones and how he has managed his voice. Still superb even today. What a performer. That's where you took me John with these words.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes. I guess it applies to us in a less dramatic fashion as we are no longer as driven and vibrant or bold in many cases. Many thanks Chris. off for a weekend with friends, have a good one.

[Chris Shaw]

You too........

[Kelly Scheppers]

Forgive me for being so presumptuous, but I couldn't help but notice Christine's reference to Tom Jones. The guy is in his seventies and he's still touring all over the world. His voice still has that bravado, too!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Think you and Chris are more qualified for this topic, lol!