top of page
Writer's pictureJarlath Busby

Parkinson’s Reveille

As I wake my shaky hand waves and greets me, Hi

Like the class swot catching the teacher’s eye

Is it frightened it has slipped my mind?

My affliction’s daily incessant grind


I look across and smile at her slumbering eyes

And cuddle her gently as she softly sighs

Is it possible I am the man in her dream?

This Parkinson’s wreck with low self esteem


I’d love to sleep as our bodies entwine

But my hand drums a staccato beat on her spine

So I roll away and every muscle feels stuck

A tear moistens my cheek as I curse my luck


When I lie on my hand, my leg takes up the beat

To some silent tune I’m tapping my feet

No chance for long lies and lazy hugs

My body won’t wait on the first dose of its drugs


I would try and ignore it but during the night

My torso’s been borrowed for Tyson to fight

Hit like a punchbag and then my legs used

By a marathon runner, all as I snoozed


The worst part of Parkinson’s, it’s hard to tell

Each day’s a smorgasbord of symptoms from hell

No-one likes self-pity, better move this body of mine

Shake a leg! Carpe Diem! Rise and feckin' shine!

69 views6 comments

6 Comments


Alison Blevins
Alison Blevins
Dec 19, 2023

You have just described my night/morning perfectly - say no more.

Like

Jarlath Busby
Jarlath Busby
Dec 12, 2023

Thanks for your encouragement!

Like

Darrell Troon
Darrell Troon
Dec 10, 2023

Very well written, left me feeling sad. that there are so many of us who share your feelings.

Like

Keith Trayling
Keith Trayling
Dec 09, 2023

You're in good company Jarlath, we can all sympathise and know how you feel. It is a shit condition, but keep writing, it's much appreciated.

Like

Unknown member
Dec 07, 2023

A great first post. Thank you. It captures how we all feel sometimes with this condition. Glad to have you on board

Like
bottom of page