Thank you for sharing. I've never seen it before.

me either and I work in a nursing home and I think all of the employees should see this/

As a "crabby old woman" of 83, I truly empathize and relate to this poem.

I've seen it before, but as "A Crabby Old Man".

A nice poem.

Oh, yes-I have seen this poem. I try not to be a crabby old woman, but so much of the poem is true and gives one food for thought. Like another saying "There, but for the grace of God, go I."

But what does it mean? That old=crabby? I know many sweet elderly that see/live ea day as a gift and their lives Have purpose, not the purpose of a 30something, but purpose nonetheless. Seems like the poem tries to justify misery, do my best to avoid those people, ugh

It reminds me of some of the poems in When I Am An OLD WOMAN, I Shall Wear Purple, which I love. I just scanned the titles, and it wasn't included, but it's something that we should all remember, especially as we become caregivers for our elderly loved ones.

bossywossy It simply means that some days seem more difficult than others when one is a ripe ole' age. It does not mean that we are crabby all the time, but want young'uns to understand how it may occasionally be for us, and how well we remember.

It's really good.

It makes me think of a class I took, the Psychology of Aging. I think she hit on how often people who are older disappear in society, at least a hundred times. The treasures of our society shouldn't be invisible. Or be treated as a small child (that stupid babyish talk you might hear from time to time when a frail elderly person is wheelchair bound).

This poem made me think of my Mom and how people treated her at the assisted care place. She died at 93 and still had good days where she could discuss anything in the news. And she had not so good days where she would stare into the distance. All said she was the sweetest person, she was never "crabby", forgetful and tired sometimes. I loved listening to the stories of her youth and talking to all the old folks that were there. I think some young people forget there is still a person inside with things to say.

Love the poem, "When I am an Old Woman"!

I remember when I was in my early 20's, one of my mother's friends, who was in her mid 70's, told me...."I don't feel my age. I still feel like a young girl." I thought, well that is the craziest thing I have ever heard! However......now that I am 69, I know exactly what she meant. In my mind, I am still about 12 years old. I guess that is what is meant by getting "old and childish"? Well, maybe not, but still, if I had to pick an age, it would be 12....happy to be out riding my horse.

@pink-warm, thanks for explanation. I will pray that God keeps me in this life as relevant as I want to be. Not necessarily solving world hunger etc but relevant enough in my ever decreasing world gracefully, gratefully and cheerfully

Proud of you bossyvossy. Sally forth!