Fade to Black
For This is How I Remember It
I close my eyes and pop in the VHS
No DVDs here, just miles of celluloid
Faded and flammable
Click on the TV, listen for the pop of tubes and transistors
Similar to knees and hips
I wait for static to resolve on its own
Even though nothing ever does
Behind grayscale flurries and a white sheet
The next prince or princess is being crowned
The label on the tape is scratched off
So I play Sherlock, but I’m clueless
The hospital room, all white concrete and Formica
Could be on any low budget, medical drama
The doctor, surrounded by nurses
Staring into the future
Only narrows it down by four
Flashback skipping, frame by frame
I see a tiny squished face covered in goo
That nose could be on this one or that
That hair on that one or this
With each birth taped over the last
The tape is running thin
Pop it out, slip it in a box
Taken out at Christmas or graduations
Is this one even mine
Or just borrowed?
A copy of a reprint of a story you told me
From memory
About the Creator
Sean A.
A happy guy that tends to write a little cynically. Just my way of dealing with the world outside my joyous little bubble.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 01/08/2026
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal4 days ago in Resources
Comments (15)
This one feels nostalgic and forlorn all at once. Congrats!
Great job! Love the conclusion.
Congratulations, Shaun. I knew this unique perspective would impress. 🤩
"Click on the TV, listen for the pop of tubes and transistors Similar to knees and hips" I LOVE this imagery. It says so much! I also really respect how well you blend the hospital lines, transitioning in and out of different memories. Congratulations on your placement, Shaun! This is a splendid piece.
Wooohooooo congratulations on your win! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Congratulations on your placement in the challenge. I love this one
Congratulations on your placement in the challenge. I love this one
Congratulations on your placement in the challenge. I love this one
Nice take on the challenge, Shaun! Some of us remember the VCR. I still have one and a converter. Been slowly sifting through them looking for the same hidden gems.
Use that tape over and over until it disintegrates! When those things first came out I thought BETA would be big, how stupid is that?? My (deceased almost a year now) last brother kept the old movies my dad did of us and showed on a movie screen - the kind that flip straight up and down and then you turn it sideways and you grab this little hook and pull it up and hook it to the top of the pole. I’m sure you’re too young to know about those…. or he would play them on the wall. I guess his kids have those movies now I’m not sure. Nice entry for challenge! 💕
That's a sad thing about childhood----whatever we try to remember is often fractured. Especially when we're told too young.
My kids weddings are on vhs and I no longer have a vcr. but at least I have the yellowing photos. Good grief, the youngest is married 30 years now. I'm getting old. wouldn't remember how to operate a vcr if I had one. Love your story. brings back some wonderful memories.
You shine a whole new light on memories. With these lines you date the person with clever use of well placed words ‘ Click on the TV, listen for the pop of tubes and transistors Similar to knees and hips’
So sad, life is always on rewind.
All that is solid melts into air so easily. Well done, Shaun!