Poem - An ode to a Parkinsonion

[Mary]

Whilst visiting specialist I noticed the following poem on notice board

I am a Parkinsonion I jump about you see
It's not that I'm trying to dance it's the tremor in my knee
I shuffle about like Fred Astaire my feet are out of control
I'd be a night club dancer if I could climb the pole

I go from bad to worse my feet stick to the ground
People think I'm acting or I am messing around
I stand and stare into space hoping for a cure
But when I try to walk I can't get through the door

My head is starting to shake into the cupboard I bump
I try to get into my pocket to find the Apo-go pump
To reach it can be a struggle my hands they go all tight
Especially if I'm tired and it's the middle of the night

Trying to talk is a problem the words I can't get out
I stutter dribble and get annoyed then begin to shout
The wife she says"don't worry" but sometimes I've had my fill
I often sound like Ronnie Barker try to open his till

I suppose I should be grateful no use having a moan
And that's another problem trying to answer the phone
The wife asks "Did you get that message who was it do you know?"
I say "No I've forgotten" she says " you silly so and so"

Life becomes a daily struggle you take the pills on time
That's if you remember when the memories in decline
The Apo-go pump stops working didn't you hear the bleep
No I was sitting at the computer I must have fallen asleep

Well life so topsy turvy we will never work it out
Our loved ones try to do their best of that there is no doubt
If it wasn't for their caring ways in helping us to cope
And thank goodness for the medical staff who always give us hope

But I've still got my sense of humour it helps me through the day
To all my fellow strugglers to give up there is no way
We may not win the war but we will battle on
We are from Parkinson's Central Branch Liverpool's number one

The poem was written by Gordon W Milward and more of his poems can be found under www.gordonmilward-compo.blogspot.com
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and as I walked into clinic I asked the man on the help desk if he had read it his reply was " yes after I wrote it" and he appreciated the smile it had brought to my face.

Regards
Mary

[Diane]

Mary, what a great thing to share with us. He must be an extraordinary man, volunteering at the clinic and voicing the thoughts of Parkers everywhere. I visited his website, too, and enjoyed his other works. Thanks for putting it up on the forum.

Diane

[Mary]

Hi Diana
He has written 56 verses in a book called Days of Hope all proceeds going to Parkinsons Society.He was a lovely man with a justifiable very proud wife by his side.Glad you enjoyed it too
Mary

[Juanita Mullin]

Thanks, Mary for sharing the ode! It was great!!! Juanita

[suzie Q]

Mary that is so good

sue

[Mary]

Thanks to all who read the poem I will forward your lovely comments onto the author I am sure he will be thrilled to know his words have gone so far in the world
Thanks
Mary

[heather]

Thank you Mary for sharing
this is a gent that gives hope and determination not only to PD sufferers but us carers also
may god bless him and his wife