CRABBY OLD MAN
|
Posted By: on August 27, 2008 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.. ....let's 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. 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 who you might be tempted to brush aside without looking at the young soul within....we will all, one day, be there, too! If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JCSU Unique Courses “ LACTATION CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE)”The LCTP is a comprehensive, CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Sm ...more
How May I Help You NC • 57 Views • January 29th, 2026 |
 |
Nation’s Oldest HBCU Football Rivalry Returns in 2026 with 102nd Turkey Day ClassicThe nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry will return to the field in November 2026 as Alabama State University and Tuskegee University face off in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic. The historic Thanksgiv ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 144 Views • January 28th, 2026 |
 |
🔋🪫🔋🪫🔋🔋🔋Gifts to recharge my BatteryREADY TO EXPERIENCE A MAYWEATHER WORKOUT? TRY IT FOR FREE
Some time is all that’s needed to get on the MAYWEATHER Fitness Treadmill
Have fun meet new friends get close to perfection https://may ...more
How May I Help You NC • 86 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Enjoy over 5,000 Free E-Cards!In HBCU communities, connection matters, and small gestures go a long way. That's why I offer 5,000 free eCards to help you stay connected and celebrate moments like thank yous, birthdays, and graduat ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 83 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Get Patreon for World Cup DiscussionChannel: https://www.patreon.com/cw/rtwcmod ...more
How May I Help You NC • 75 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,795,037 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,088 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,372 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,374 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
