ceramic mural 12 ‘ x 9’ for Eastern Topographies,
Ossipee, New Hampshire, USA
Listen to audio
Distant Faces
– etched on my mind –
There are traces
From prior times,
Of distant faces
Etched on my mind,
That stay forever
Hence so adorn,
A place of musing
Where past ground,
Be worth pursuing
Tho but a semblance,
Might now be found…
As memories falter
Thus in mind’s eye,
Imaginings alter
And fall beyond,
Familiar places
Of aging optimism,
In mature zeal
Be timeless isms,
Scarcely notes real
With fading traces,
Of now distant faces…
Tho wishful thinking
Could yet show trace,
That offers an inkling
Alludes to per chance,
A faint hint of passing
Mightn’t ye remember,
Enough of such places
May outlive December,
Has ye find the more,
Of now held distant faces!
© Jean-Jacques Fournier
Ode to Hilary, Natalie and Wayne, old friends!
Mural - by artist Claude Theberge ...
Faces - Personal & private collection ...
Music - Excerpt of, Night Jazz, by Chet Baker ...
Poetry on a Canapé 
More and more this is the case with me. So well written.
Thank you my long time dear friend. While more and more be thus so for many, be yet better than those whom are less favoured and do not outlive December… Be well Paulette !
What I love about the aging process is the collection of memories, of stories and of connections. It is a reminder to live with love, hope, resilience and courage. Thank you, Jean-Jacques for another amazing poem. Take care during this uncertain time.
I so appreciate your view of the aging process, Rebecca.
Sending hugs!!!
Accepting hugs!!!
Thank you, Rebecca, for your positive insight on my reflection. You’re correct in the requirements of your observation, tho I might add that one must have the basic elements of what you suggest to be that comfortable with aging. For despite best intentions with time and aging memories, fading and distant comes more for some and less for others but the process is inevitable and is simply part of being alive.
I have the same experience with wanting to remember distant faces and all they represent. I do wonder, from time to time, if friends I’ve lost touch with somehow know that thoughts of them cross my mind from time to time.
Interesting observation and hard to imagine not even with beings of a lesser sensitivity that are not prone to express like feelings openly…