The Look on His Face That Said Everything

for all those who may have been there .. 🤍

The Look on His Face That Said Everything

 

It seems to me, he knew better

than to tell me

he felt down, or depressed,

   

or more like death, perhaps ..

So instead,

he compromised and said,

he felt sad, knowing I guess

that I would relate

to such a non-clinical stance

as that and since

sad required no intervention

except for the

passing of time and maybe

   the birth of a smile or two ..

Today though,

for some reason, I feel as sad

as when my father

told me he felt sad, just before

   saying his final goodbyes ..

I could tell he was

sad and not anxious or fearful,

by the look he

had in those tired hazel eyes ..

When he told me

that he loved me dearly 

and tried so damn 

    hard to forge that last smile ..

 

 

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Neville
It’s one thing to say you’re sad, yet that doesn’t pursue a true reaction, maybe a half smile….when someone is really sad, as in your father’s case
He did say he was sad because he knew he was soon to pass on, but the telling was in his eye…and that really shows one the true mood one is showing…. Beautifully crafted
Warmly, B

[Neville]

thanks for feeling this one Betty .. My Father passed too many years ago .. but it seems you could read him so well .. Bless you .. Neville

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Neville
Warmly, B

[DarkArtz 0703]

Everyone has been there and it's pleasant to read something so relatable. Thank you for sharing this with everyone.
~ K

[Neville]

thank you for indulging me this mane ma'am .. Neville

[John the Baptist]

It is said men conceal their feelings to avoid looking weak. I don't get that here. I think the father didn't want his family to be overly concerned. He knew what he was feeling, but he wanted to spare them. There are many kinds of heroism.

[Neville]

You are absolutely write John .. thank you for noticing .. Neville

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Sorry for your loss
I loved this
It’s very deep

I wonder if humans know there time is up
I believe we do

Enjoyed this sad write I know that sounds weird right yes I’ve been there x

[Neville]

my father passed many years ago Julie but I still think of him often .. No, not weird at all .. and thank you x

[Poetic Beauty]

Depression can be a terrible thing to live with. I have friends that struggle with it and I tell them their feelings are valid and allowed to be felt but they are not allowed to leave this world early

[Neville]

depression in all of its many forms is my bread and butter .. thanks for checking in PB .. Neville

[Poetic Beauty]

I have moments of depression that creep in for no reason; typically in the long dreary months of winter. I can’t imagine the struggle with it being almost a constant

[Neville]

I have never personally experienced it .. but I know what you mean and like I said previously .. tis my bread and my butter .. Neville

[Anita Frader]

Used to be that were told it's ok to be sad but never told it's ok to talk about our sadness and what we're feeling, or that our sadness is constant and perhaps something more than merely sadness.
I think we still do a very poor job of breaking down these stigmas. Men have it worse in some ways because you're expected to be the strong ones. Thank you for sharing this write.

[Neville]

I am so glad you swung by .. cheers .. Neville

[Anita Frader]

Was very glad to pop in... Anita

[hiren]

Hi this is jessy, you blocked me, so i created new user name.
Why you are missing dad, you are fine. Very nice people aroiund you to take care of you. Safe hands stretching love for you. Dont be sad.

Jessy jacob.
❤️

[Neville]

I'm not sad so don't worry and if you behave then I am happy to have you visit again .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

It is ok to feel sad. I am wondering whether the sad thoughts about your father coincide with an anniversary? Your poem is very moving Neville. Your Dad seems to be playing everything down. That’s what parents do. Protecting their offspring from the harsher realities of life even though they are adults themselves. Cherish those last words of his. He got to tell you. Things happened so speedily with my own father no one got chance to hear or say those really important last words. Beautiful work, but such a tear jerker.

Chris

[Neville]

I don't know why I suddenly thought about him Chris .. I think maybe he is never really that far from my thoughts .. I have been thinking a lot about my mum recently too .. Thank you for such a generous review .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

You know my parents filter in and out all the time. It just seems natural, but every now and then, the natural turns into real grief. I don’t know what triggers it, it just happens. I still have some very sad moments and my Dad has been gone 32 years, my mum only two. You aren’t alone. We have to accept sadness as part of our lives, just as we do happiness. Impossible to be happy all the time Neville.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Neville … to feel Sad is a smile turned up side down… much like a Clown that may make you laugh. Burl Ives sang a Song 🎶 “A little bitty Tear let me down… and spoiled my Act as a Clown. I was doing alright and a little bitty Tear let me down… Amen… Pat

[Neville]

thank you for dropping in Pat ever so gently mind and kindly tooly too .. Neville