I'm fine for the shape I'm in.

This poem has traveled around the world but it always credited to "Author Anonymous"

This poem has traveled around the world but it always said “Author Anonymous” or someone changed a few lines and claimed the whole of the poem for themselves.

Edward E. Croydon was the author of the original poem. As he has passed away we would like to see that he gets recognition for the only poem he wrote. He wrote this poem in Nashville, TN in approximately 1978. My wife’s daughter, Melody, had to write a poem as a 2nd grade home work assignment. Mr. Croydon was at the home and recited three of four poems from memory. Melody asked if he had written them and he said no. This must have caused him to try and write one because in a few days he presented the following typewritten poem to my wife. She placed a copy on the wall of the Doctor’s office where she worked and people would come in an read it and ask for copies. My wife just recently came across the original in her files.

I'm Fine

There's nothing the matter with me,
I'm just as healthy as can be.
I have arthritis in both of my knees,
My pulse is weak, my blood is thin --
But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.

I think my liver is out of whack,
And I’ve a terrible pain in my back.
My hearing is poor, my sight is dim,
Most every seems to be out of trim --
But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.

The doctor says that my days are few,
For every week he finds something new;
And the way I stagger is a crime,
I’m likely to drop at any time --
But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.

I have arch supports for both of my feet,
Or I wouldn't be able to go out in the street.
My fingers are ugly and stiff in the joints,
And my nails are impossible to keep in points.
My complexion is dull, due to dry skin --
But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.

Sleeplessness I have night after night,
And in the morning I’m just a sight,
My memory’s failing, my head’s in a spin.
I’m practically living on aspirin --
But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.

The moral is, as this tale we unfold,
That for you and me who are growing old,
‘Tis better to say, “I’m fine”, with a grin
Cause
‘Twill surely help the shape we’re in.
Edward E. Croydon, Author

Maybe placed on websites and/or used with permission when author is given recognition.
Submitted here by Dennis King