Elderly individuals residing in nursing homes eagerly anticipate visits or even a simple phone call from their families, but such connections are often elusive, leading to a sense of disappointment.
Upon the passing of an elderly gentleman, as the nurses attend to the task of tidying up his room, they chance upon something profoundly moving that brings tears to their eyes. Among the belongings filled with memories spanning a lifetime, a poignant discovery unfolds—a hidden poem. This heartfelt revelation resonates deeply, unveiling a narrative of emotions woven throughout the years.
Within his personal effects lie remnants of a life richly lived, and concealed among them is a precious gem—an earnest poem. As the verses unfurl, the nurses become entwined in a story that encapsulates the essence of the man’s experiences, leaving an indelible imprint on their hearts.
This unforeseen discovery serves as a poignant reminder of the impactful narratives woven into the lives of those who, often overlooked, spend their final days in a nursing home.
What do you see nurses? What do you see?
What are you thinking, when you look at me?
A cranky old man, not very wise,
What are you thinking, when you look at me?
A cranky 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 a 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 you 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 10, 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 25, 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.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me, to see that 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,
It’s jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone, where once I had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young man 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 cranky old man, Look closer, see ME!
Remember, in our hearts, we are never old!