The Crabbit Old Woman

by Unknown

Dear Sir; This poem was written in Scotland by an old lady in a geriatric ward. After she died it was found in her possessions by a nurse. All health workers who had dealings with patients, particularly in the elderly age group, should ponder carefully on what this old woman was thinking when she wrote this poem.

What do you see, what do you see? What are you thinking when you're looking at me. A crabbit old woman, not very wise, uncertain of habbit, with far away eye's, 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 sock or a shoe, who resisting or not, lets you do as you will, with bathing or feeding, the long day to fill, is that what you are thinking, is that what you see, then open your eye's, you're not looking at me. I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still, as I use at you 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 girl of 16 with wings on her feet, dreaming that soon now a lover will meet.

A bride 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 build a secure happy home.

A woman of 30, my young now grow fast, bound to each other with ties that should last.

At 40 my young sons have grown and are gone, but my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.

At 50 once more babies play round my knee, and again we know children, my love 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 of the love I have known. I'm an old woman now and nature is cruel, 'tis' her jest to make old age look like a fool. The body crumbles, grace and vigor depart, there now is a stone where once was 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 have gone fast, and accept the stark fact that nothing will last.

Soon open your eye's, open and see, 'not' a crabbit old woman, look closer, see me.(Author unknown)