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Title: Grouchy Old Man Post by Callico on May 10th, 2008, 12:29am I was sent this poem in an email. I found it to be rather poignant tonight as we are waiting for the call telling us of a dear old friend who is on her deathbed. At 90 she had a stroke about an hour after I took her home from dancing at my niece's wedding reception. She lived life to the fullest up to that night, but has gone downhill quickly in the last 3 weeks. I hate to see her go, but I know she is ready, and I know also that she would hate to live on having others have to do for her what she could not. So on her behalf, and for many others who are in this position, as I will be in just a few years myself, please let me share it. Jerry Crabby Old Man When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Tampa , Florida , it was believed that he had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Missouri . The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple but eloquent poem. And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this "anonymous" poem winging across the Internet. Crabby Old Man What do you see nurses? What do you see? What are you thinking.....when you're looking at me? A crabby old man, ..not very wise, Uncertain of habit .......with faraway eyes? Who dribbles his food.......and makes no reply. When you say in a loud voice....."I do wish you'd try!" Who seems not to notice ..the things that you do. And forever is losing ......... A sock or shoe? Who, resisting or not...........lets you do as you will, With bathing and feeding ... The long day to fill? Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see? Then open your eyes, nurse......you're not looking at me. I'll tell you who I am .......... As I sit here so still, As I do at your bidding, .....as I eat at your will. I'm a small child of ten.......with a father and mother, Brothers and sisters .........who love one another. A young boy of sixteen .with wings on his feet Dreaming that soon now. .......a lover he'll meet. A groom soon at twenty .......my heart gives a leap. Remembering, the vows......that I promised to keep. At twenty-five now .......... I have young of my own. Who need me to guide .... And a secure happy home. A man of thirty ....... My young now grown fast, Bound to each other ......... With ties that should last. At forty my young sons ....have grown and are gone, But my woman's beside me.......to see I don't mourn. At fifty, once more, ........ Babies play 'round my knee, Again, we know children .... My loved one and me. Dark days are upon me ............. My wife is now dead. I look at the future ...............I shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing......young of their own. And I think of the years... And the love that I've known. I'm now an old man.........and nature is cruel. 'Tis jest to make old age ...look like a fool. The body, it crumbles..........grace and vigor depart. There is now a stone........where I once had a heart. But inside this old carcass ...... A young guy still dwells, And now and again .......my battered heart swells I remember the joys........... I remember the pain. And I'm loving and living.............life over again. I think of the years all too few......gone too fast. And accept the stark fact........that nothing can last. So open your eyes people ..........open and see.. Not a crabby old man, look closer....see........ME!! Remember this poem when you next meet an older person ( It could be me ) who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within ... we will all, one day, be there, too! PLEASE SHARE THIS POEM The best and most beautiful things of this world can't be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart. |
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Title: Re: Grouchy Old Man Post by BarbaraD on May 10th, 2008, 8:18am That ought to be posted in EVERY nursing home -- and be required reading in med and nursing schools.... Thanks for sharing... got a lump in my throat... Hugs BD |
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Title: Re: Grouchy Old Man Post by LeLimey on May 10th, 2008, 9:32am I have a lump in my throat too. I'll be forwarding that to a few people myself. Including my kids. Thanks Jerry and God bless to your friend. I hope for the best for her, whatever that may be with love Helen xx |
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Title: Re: Grouchy Old Man Post by DonnaH_again on May 10th, 2008, 9:48am A lump here too. Time rushes on. Thanks for sharing this. |
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Title: Re: Grouchy Old Man Post by cash5542 on May 10th, 2008, 3:04pm Very thought provoking..... I agree that it should be posted anywhere with elderly patients. My mom spent a month in the hospital before dying and it really made me think about the different approaches the staff had with their patients also Rosy's post about her Grandfather. A little compassion and TLC goes a long way! Charlotte |
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