Must-Read Poem: Crabby Old Man

Carol Bradley Bursack is Answering questions Caregiver Author, blogger and eldercare columnist For over twenty years author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley... Send Message Subscribe: Carol Bradley Bursack

Wednesday, February 14, 2007
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I was extremely touched when I first read this anonymous poem which was printed at the end of a book on caregiving. It’s been floating around the Internet for a long time, but with today’s focus on aging, it is surfacing more and more. I feel it needs to be read by everyone who cares about the el...

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Phyllis Tangen
Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 11:00 AM
This is a very beautiful poem, I will send it to the day care where my lovely Bob spent many years. Phyllis Tangen

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Noella
Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 04:21 AM
beautiful

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Ladyfaire
Friday, February 23, 2007 at 12:08 PM
It should be sent to hospitals and nursing homes for their newsletters. I really like it and think many can relate to it.

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Lily Phang
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 08:38 PM
A very beautiful poem.Must be read by every on young & old

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Gene
Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at 03:42 AM
I am glad some realizes that Alzheimer's suffers are really in there, most of the time just not connected to thhis world.

Poem
Yvonne
Thursday, March 01, 2007 at 11:01 PM
Very touching!

very true and touching
Cathrynn
Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 10:34 AM
I love this - I seem to remember seeing one rather similar about an old woman in a hospital - would love to find that one if anyone has access to it................I am sure they 'grew' out of each other, would be good to have the one of the old man, and the old woman...*S*

re: very true and touching
Carol Bradley Bursack
Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 10:48 AM

Also, the poem says "nurse" but I believe it can be applied to us all. Man, woman, nurse or caregiver - it's an important idea.

We can never forget these people have live a unique life, even if they can't express it. That's why I don't buy into "parenting our parents" even though I know most people use the phrase as a kind of shortcut. I never felt caring for my parents was like caring for my children.
Thanks for checking in.
Carol

yes, thats true
Cathrynn
Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 03:38 PM

I must remember this, so much, with my caring for my elderly mother of 90, though she doesnt have dementia. I really feel for her as she struggles with her problems at the end of her life - I'm sure this site will help.....thank you!

Cathrynn

re: yes, thats true
Carol Bradley Bursack
Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 03:45 PM

I'm sure you'll find help and support here. Please keep coming back. Take care of yourself, too.
Carol

Thank You Carol
Caring kb
Friday, November 02, 2007 at 03:16 PM
This is extremely touching!

re: Thank You Carol
Carol Bradley Bursack
Friday, November 02, 2007 at 04:18 PM

Yes, it's something we all need to remember - I see elders in clinic lobbies with notes pinned to their shirts, waiting to be taken, by staff, to the next "stop." This kind of stuff upsets me. Someone should be with each of these people. This is a human, not part of an assembly line. I don't know all the answers, but I sure have questions.

I'm glad this poem touched so many people.
Carol

Dave Griffith is the Author of the Poem Crabby Old Man
WendyL
Sunday, July 13, 2008 at 05:33 PM

I love the poem, and did some research, as I wanted to see the piece with pictures it speaks about in the "email"...the fact is...it was written by a man named David Griffith.

I have enclosed the link to his page. To Soon Old

The proper name of the piece is "To Soon Old"...and HOW true that statement is, just as the poem is ALL too true.

re: Dave Griffith is the Author of the Poem Crabby Old Man
Carol Bradley Bursack
Monday, July 14, 2008 at 07:58 AM

Thank you! What a beautiful page that is. I'll pass it on to those who expressed interest.

Carol

Crabby Old Man poem
John Myers
Monday, April 20, 2009 at 09:45 AM

Where is the powepoint presentation?

re: Crabby Old Man poem
Carol Bradley Bursack
Monday, April 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM

I wish I knew. I just keep hearing about it. Likely, more than one person has done one, as the poem is so well read. It would be nice to let people know more.

Carol