Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: swartzrn
Date: 03-29-2006, 07:45 PM (1 of 5)
|
Hey-since we've been sharing our best times, I happened to think of this poem that was shared with me when I was in nursing school. It was back when I took my geriatric nursing classes and my instructor happened to be an older nurse who was very very wise. She was one of those nurses who still wore her white cap at all times--anyway, I always picture her in my head when I read this poem..it's about an old woman who is retelling her life's stories and the ups and downs. I think of this poem often..thought I'd share it..there's a little history of it before the poem begins... When an old lady died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Dundee, Scotland, it was felt that she had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through her 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 Ireland. The old lady's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the North Ireland Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on her simple, but eloquent, poem... And this little old Scottish lady, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the authoress of this "anonymous" poem winging across the Internet. Goes to show that we all leave "SOME footprints in time"..... AN OLD LADY'S POEM 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 faraway 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 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 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 around 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 the 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!! Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436 
|
From: vickki
Date: 03-29-2006, 08:25 PM (2 of 5)
| That is so beautiful and true.Thanks so much for sharing....Vic |
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: esrun3
Date: 03-29-2006, 10:26 PM (3 of 5)
|
Julie, that poem went around when I was in nursing school too. Still touches the heart! Thanks for sharing it.
Lyn
|
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 03-30-2006, 12:52 AM (4 of 5)
|
Julie, that was a beautiful poem. I work in a hospital too, and it really hurts to see older people treated so harshly sometimes. I know that the nurses and other medical staff are overworked and stressed to the max, but some peoples dogs get better treatment. I think I'll take a copy tomorrow and leave it at one of the nursing stations. Thanks for a lovely reminder that everyone, no matter what their age, or background, or circumstance, deserve to be treated with care and respect.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: esrun3
Date: 03-30-2006, 09:35 PM (5 of 5)
|
Good idea Laura! The nurses, cna's, etc do get stressed and I have seen some patients get less than stellar treatment because of it. A gentle reminder is a lovely thing to do for everyone!
Lyn
|
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-18746.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft