Living With Parkinsons by M S - East Sussex

At the point of diagnosis,

I was already sure,

I had a condition,

That came with no cure.

So, do I just get a tablet,

To help stop progression,

It’s not quite that simple,

I’d Learnt my first lesson.

Your body is failing,

And although you’ll keep trying,

The reality is,

Your brain cells are dying.

Your now on a journey,

With an unwanted guest,

Who will challenge you daily,

And won’t take a rest.

The best I can offer,

To keep symptoms at bay,

Is to take medication,

At the same time each day.

I’m now in that battle,

The one I can’t win,

But I’ll get through each day,

I refuse to give in.

I wake due to stiffness,

I look for the sun,

It’s Three in the morning,

My day has begun.

I’m constantly aching,

My movements are slow,

I forget where I put things,

But my smile’s still on show.

I follow a programme,

Of the things I must do,

To continue to walk,

And to tie my own shoe.

Slowly I’ll get you,

It’s going to plan,

I’ll take more of you daily,

Fight back if you can.

I know that you’ll get me,

But,until you do,

I’ll see you tomorrow,

And remember,Fuck you.

It’s been very easy,

To speak, ill of my guest,

But its not the full story,

Let me tell you the rest.

While sat in his office,

I heard his clock chime,

It was sending a message,

The importance of time.

You’ve opened my eyes,

And allowed me to see,

A beautiful world,

That’s been waiting for me.

I see colours in Autumn,

New life in spring,

Feel cold air in winter,

Summers warmth on my skin.

I’ve met many new friends,

On the same journey as mine,

They offer support,

Their kindness, their time.

The words I have written,

Came quickly to mind,

But to put them on paper,

A steady hand I must find.

So there is the problem,

And difficult to measure,

Many Times to forget,

But Moments to treasure.

Since you have joined me,

At times, it is true,

You bring joy to my life,

And For that , I thank you.