Say It Loud and Clear

A perfect song (the living years) to a perfect message in your story. Hugs. I can totally relate, having lost both parents with unresolved/unspoken words.

As you know my relationship with my dad was strained but in April he got to be reunited with my mother. Hugs to you Paul

Paul.... I don't think I'll ever be able to properly tell you how sorry I am. How soul crushing this is and how beautifully executed the poem is!!

Straight to the heart Paul. So sorry to know about your loss and what a great way to express it. I watched my mum live through several years of diagnosed vascular dementia and she was cared for in a nursing home for six months at the end, never taking a single meal in that time. But she still liked to have her nails painted. I did it a couple of times (not often enough) and was really touched when I stumbled in one evening to find one of the carers doing it for her. It was then that I knew she was in the right place for that time in her life.

Sorry for this loss, Paul What a touching poem, thank you for sharing

Every now and again I read a line that makes me stop. But this one didn't just make me want to digest it, it made me want to cuddle it like a teddy bear. 'but solace, closure, for me, live in lines that were once thoughts' this line to me has two faces, in one read it sounds like something you could easily grasp. But on the other, it slips out of it quickly, so that I have to pick it up again. And boy was it awesome. I find myself nodding my head in agreement with what it says. After this list 'limbs, flesh and sinew' I got goosebumps. It really felt like you were in your zone writing this. 'different or better, better or different' I love it when you take the poetic choice of flipping back and forth. It hits the spot. Oh lord, I can't. Paul! 😭😭😭 May he RIP. I am so sorry. All still fresh, and your strained relationship with him... I'm sorry... ❤️

Thank you for sharing such a deeply personal and heartfelt poem. Here's a thoughtful comment you could leave that honors the emotion and complexity of your writing: This poem is incredibly powerful and raw—thank you for sharing such an intimate journey. The way you navigate the complicated emotions of love, loss, regret, and understanding resonates deeply. It’s a beautiful tribute that captures the messy, imperfect nature of family and the profound impact of dementia on both the person and those left behind. Your honesty and vulnerability shine through every line, making this not just a poem, but a meaningful reflection on healing and acceptance. Sending you strength and peace as you continue to process this chapter of your life. VISIT PROFILE

My dad was killed in a car crash when I was 15. Because of my epileptic seizures, sadly, I remember so little about him. He was William Markley O'Neal. I'm William Markley O'Neal II. So I feel your grief, but I'm also envious of the things you did share with him.... especially my all time favorite musician: Elton!!! Among the mix I just had on an hour ago was Skyline Pidgeon. I can never decide if my all-time favorite song is Rocket Man, or Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, or Something About the Way You Look Tonight, or This Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore, or basically everything on Honky Chateau. I saw Elton & Billy Joel do a duo concert when I was young. Elton performed Piano Man and Billy performed Rocket Man. And the time I saw Queen was mind-blowing! Freddy threw a tantrum and attacked a roadie. I wish I knew what my father's favorite songs were. Blessings to You and Yours, Sir. Thank you for sharing this. I'm so glad you were given a Top Story for this! ⚡️💙Bill⚡️

I lost my dad two years ago. We didn’t really have a relationship — I can count on one hand how many times I saw him in the last 40 years of his life. I went to the funeral mostly for my siblings. Still, even after all that time apart, I felt the loss. It’s hard to explain, but I get where you’re coming from with your feelings. You did a great job with this poem for your dad. I’m really sorry for your loss.

My sincere sympathy Paul. A beautiful poem for your Da. He had good taste in bands/music! .. I love “The Living Years”. Thinking of and praying for you all.💖

Paul, I am so sorry for your loss. Your poetry is stunning and expresses your grief, which resonates with my own.

At risk of being irreverent, I’m glad I now don’t have to burn the place down.

I am so very sorry, Paul. Losing a parent is such a hard thing to endure no matter how imperfect they were. This is a beautiful and heartfelt poem. I hope writing will be even a small source of comfort in processing this loss and grief.

You have your memories whether good or bad he was/is still your father and with this poem you showed him RESPECT. Great work.

Blessings. RIP.

This song always makes me have dust in my eye, and now your poem has done the same. Excellent as always. ♥

Sincere condolences for you loss, my liege. Mary Shelley's ghost must be smiling at this poem.

So sorry to hear of your loss, Sir Paul. Sending hugs and prayers for you and your family. 🙏

I have a love hate relationship with that song, especially since the tine it made me cry in a bloody grocery store. I feel this, and I feel for you my friend. So sorry for your loss.

Paul, I feel for you right now, the mixed emotions and inner struggle, I think Your father would have enjoyed this poem you wrote. It’s Never easy no matter what happened before, he is still your father.

Man, I am so sorry. Families are tough. Coming from a place of having a very difficult relationship with my own dad who was also an alcoholic, I'm sure this isn't easy to face. If no one else tells you, feelings can be weird but there's no wrong way to feel. My heart goes out to you and yours. Take it easy!

Ahh shit man I’m so sorry to hear…a beautiful ode and lament

What an expression of raw feelings. God bless.

Oh, Paul, I know this is tough on you. I too had a strained relationship with my mother that I was trying to repair before she passed away.

I’m very sorry to hear about your father, Paul. I can’t imagine how difficult and complicated your emotions must be right now. I hope this amazing piece helped get those feelings out at least a little bit instead of caged up inside.