Many years ago He made a decision. Never realizing The weight it would bring. Guided by feelings, Anger and disbelief. No, this could not happen No, not to me. In an instant, he decided Not knowing he did. Forever he is changed. His decision remained. Did he decide not to fight? Was this out of his control? I observe how his one decision Took him down a path full of stone. His body is failing. His spirit is low. What would have happened If things were turned around? Would he be free from the chains His body smothered him in? I want to ask him what he knew that day Was he aware that his body would betray? Did he know the agony ahead? Did he know he would never be free? Did he know, That disease would rule his life? Did he know, There would be much suffering and strife? I want to ask him About that day. The day he was made aware, That his body would betray. He was not given a choice Life just made him that way.
Poetry
Internal Movements
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.
Stillness
Be still,
Listen,
What do you hear?
A voice softly calling.
Calling my name.
Be still,
Listen.
In the silence, golden silence,
Find your spirit and your soul.
Be still,
Listen.
The silence is sacred.
It tells no lies.
Be still,
Listen.
In the silence, golden silence,
A vision will appear.
Be still,
Listen.
Be still in the silence.
Hear the message from within.
Be still,
Listen.
Discover your purpose.
Find your new song.
Be still,
Listen.
Grateful for the silence.
You can see what's real.
Be still,
Listen.
It's in the silence.
You will see, hear and feel.
In the silence,
the golden silence,
You see the vision,
You now know, you can travel on.
Living in the Moment
The Disease Are you talking? I’m not listening, What do you say? Symptoms so varied Comes any night and day. So unexpected, Why are you this way? Oh my Parkinson’s How can this be? Never knowing what’s coming Give me the key. Every symptom so different No pattern to see. Why does a new motion Bring me down to my knees? Needing acceptance Not easy this time. Looking ahead, Not wanting to climb. Explore the feelings, Find the good in the bad. Leave the sorrow behind, Or you will go mad. The journey continues Could not walk away. Finding acceptance, By writing today. Moving forward. Going to live for the day. I look in my pocket Finding courage packed away.
New Path
Which path do you see, Look ahead or behind. I see a new footpath, I may travel on. The new course is drawn. Someone whispers my name. Calling so softly, Please stroll this way. There's a lake in the distance, time to follow a trail. I dip my toe in the water, to see the reveal. I lift my toe from the pond, no lingering here. Contemplating the future, wondering what can be. Feeling comfort and calm, I sense I'm not alone. A spirit walks beside me, She whispers you are strong. I've accepted the journey, with gratitude and grace. Stepping lightly, gently gliding, finding my new pace. There's a light glowing brightly, footprints imprint the dry land. The trail blazes brightly, Revealing the new stance. I review the last journey, the guide nudges me on. confident, I step forward. singing a new song.
Inside Parkinson's 