They forget I'm not over you

[northumbrian_k]

The intimacy and drama of Nina Simone's live performance of the song 'For a While' - rather more than just a cover of the Frank Sinatra original - has long been a favourite of mine. She describes it as a song "dedicated to my lover who has gone from me". Before experiencing my wife's dementia I thought that this meant gone away both physically and emotionally. But I now understand that estrangement, regret and loss can occur even when the person one loves is still physically present.

My wife is still here but is all but lost to me. I find that the words of the song (with Simone's very personal additions) have a particular resonance and poignancy beyond what the original writers can surely have imagined:

"Days go by with no empty feeling
And I work and work and work and I forget
Until I go home and touch my hair and feel my skin
And I remember that you've gone

People say to me
You need company
When you have some time to spend
Drop around when you need a friend

They forget I'm not over you
For a while ...

I can't go on without you
Your love is all I'm living for
I know what ere betides me
I love you Zizi, I love you, I do"

 

[Starbright]

That is so poignant @northumbrian_k and I know how it feels.
Here’s. (( hug )) A x

 

[AliceA]

Overwhelming Alice xxx

 

[nae sporran]

Beautiful song NK, sorry you are back in the sadness of it all after your holiday.

 

[Izzy]

I wasn't familiar with that song @Northumbrian. I've listened to it now. How beautifully poignant. I felt those emotions when my husband was still alive and still do now he's gone.

Thinking of you.