CRABBY OLD MAN

Hi everyone, hope you are all ok. Was given this, l didnt write it and have no idea who did, which is a shame as would love to have acknowledged this lovely  man. But think its lovely so thought l would share it.

CRABBY OLD MAN

When an old man died in the geriatiric ward of a nursing home in North Platte, Nebraska, it was believed that he had nothing left of value.

Later, the nurses found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and shared to every nurse in the hospital.

And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world is now the author of this now "anonymous" poem winging across the WWW.

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..."l so 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 l am...as l sit here so still
As l do at your bidding...as l eat at your will
I'm still a small child of 10...with a father and mother
Brothers and sisters... who love one another.

A young boy of 16 ...with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now ...a lover he'll meet
A groom soon at 20 ...my heart gives a leap
Remembering the vows...that l promised to keep.

AT 25 now...l have young of my own
Who need me to guide ....and secure a happy home
A man of 30...my young now grown fast
Bound to each other...with ties that should last.

At 40, my young sons...have grown and are gone
But my womans beside me...to see l dont mourn
At 50, 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...and shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing...young of their own
And l think of the years...and the love that l'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
Ther is now a stone...where l 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 l'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 who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul inside...we will all, one day, be there too!

The best and most beautiful things of this world can't be seen or touched. They are felt by the heart.