carasmom's Journal

I have been saying for years we are all the ages we have ever been... This poem kind of repeats that... Its a moving poem...

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, 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 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 I promised to keep. 
At 25, now, I have young of my own. 
Who need me to guide them, and a secure happy home.. 
 
A man of 30, My young now growing fast, 
Bound to each other, With ties that should last. 
At 40, my young sons, have grown and are gone, 
I have my woman beside me, to see I don't 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. 
I think of the years and the love that I've known. 
I'm now an old man and nature is cruel.. 
Times jest to make old age, look like a fool. 

The body, it crumbles, grace & 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, please, open and see. 
Not a crabby old man, Look closer, see ME!! 
 
Remember this poem when you next meet an older person whom you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within.  We will all, one day, be there, too! 
 
 

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

This last quote is for you Cara...  All that I felt for you is too beautiful to describe... It can only be felt.  I am blessed forever to be your mama... and I Love You For Always