Inside Parkinson's

Inside the body, there is movement,
Movement you feel.

Seeing consequences,
Due to lack of dopamine.

Maybe a tremor,
Maybe slowness,

Maybe the body freezing,
Maybe shuffling feet.

Exercise is the secret,
Living with Parkinson’s.

Make big movements,
Reach far, stand tall.

Never understanding
Swinging arms, giant steps.

Until now. 
A wave of sensation 
Traveled through my body.

Today, I felt and understood.
I perceived a new awareness.

Internally, I sensed,
The body curling in upon itself.
The body folding over ,
Squeezing the organs, the muscles
Holding on with all its might.

Internally, the body urges you to be still.
Trying to take hold of your movements.
Trying to make you freeze.
Trying to stifle you.

The internal draw of Parkinson’s is strong
We can be stronger.

We can move.
We can walk.

We swing our arms high.
We take long giant steps.

Walk tall.
Swing your arms.

Stand up straight.
Walk with a bounce and lift.

Resist the desire to slow down.
Counteract,  the drive to be still.

In the stillness, there is no movement.
Without movement, you become a statue.  

Just keep moving.
Combat the internal tug.

Make a pledge to keep moving.
Defy the desire to be still.

Yes, the fight is difficult and long.
This is the battle we must soldier on.

Our struggle, our journey
Must not be wasted 
Must not be in vain.