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The Old Woman
Cast me not off in
the time of old age;
forsake me not when
my strength faileth.
Psalm 71:9
This poem appeared when an elderly lady died in the geriatric ward of a
hospital near Dundee, Scotland. It was felt that she had left nothing of
value. Then the nurses, going through her possessions, found this poem.
The quality so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to
every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Ireland. The old lady's
sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of
News Magazine of the North Ireland Association for Mental Health.
"ME"
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 far away 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 use 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 guide and a secure happy home.
A woman 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 once more babies play round my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is 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;
'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 girl 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, nurses, open and see,
Not a crabby old woman; look closer -- see ME!!
(the author's name is not given)
Let's all remember the poignant words of this poem the next time we meet an elderly person. The golden rule is still the very best guide: Treat others, especially our elders, the way that you would want to be treated yourself.
Remember, we are going to be old one day, too!
I'd appreciate it if you'd take just a minute to sign my Guestbook while you're here, and let me know what you think. Thank you!
 
My thanks to SoftSong Graphics for this beautiful background.
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