It was an ordinary day. Reading my latest "Fishwrapper" publication insert when I came across a rather interesting and lovely poem. Thought I just had to share it with you! After reading it, remember this poem when you meet an old person whom you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within them. Remember.....you will one day be there too! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
An Old Lady's Poem
What do you see, nurses, what do you see? What are you thinking when you're looking at me? A crabby old woman, not very wise. Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her 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 stocking 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 girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet, Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet. A bride 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 foster a secure, happy home. A women 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 man's beside me to see I don't mourn. At fifty, as more babies play round my knee, Again we know children, my loved one and me,
Dark days are upon me, my husband 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 woman, and nature is cruel; Old age comes knocking, makes you look like a fool. The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart, My mind is left to ponder the dreams of my heart.
But inside this old body, a young girl still dwells. And now and again my battered heart swells. I remember here 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, nurses, open and see. Not a crabby old woman; look closer---see me!
Amen!
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