Parkinson’s can pull the rug from under you,
Topple you, as far as you can go.
You explain best you can the desolation,
Unable fast enough the right words
To pull from your mind, now slowed down to a crawl,
Moving at thirty in the fast lane.
Tears flow faster, as communication halts,
Understanding no longer exists.
Parkinson’s can transport you to an island,
Dump you there; yet somehow you must fight.
Prior to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, nearly ten years ago, I had never written a word of poetry, although I had read quite a bit.
Parkinson’s helped to concentrate my mind and identify the things I needed to do while I could still do them. One of these things was to ‘have a go’ at writing some poetry. I then proceeded to surprise myself by bashing out a couple of dozen efforts at poetry in a relatively short space of time. Some I am proud of, others need a bit more work. I seem to have a tendency to be oversentimental at times but my wife assures me that it is just poetic licence. Writing poetry is just one of several things that I have taken up since diagnosis. Running and photography being others.
When I visit creative corner in the Forum, the majority of poems seen to related to Parkinson’s, in one way or another. I find it hard to be poetic about this condition. I just seem to write about anything but Parkinson’s.
Does anyone else feel the same way?
BONFIRE NIGHT.
Fireworks now to the night sky are sent.
Sparklers in the hands all frazzled and spent.
Childish inebriated friends shout out.
"come let’s have a contest, see who can put the bonfire out.
Let me explain, I now shake like the last leaf on the autumn tree.
And have become accustomed to sitting down to pee.
Been doing this for a while I must confess.
Well, it’s so much easier than cleaning the mess
Shouldn’t have taken part in this ridiculous farce.
For now I’m the only one who is burnt on the arse.
Tommy 
™ 2019
Hi Julie Ann been offline for few weeks due to broadband being hacked just wanted to say thought your poem was brill I’ve certainly been in the same dark place but am OK now keep writing not done any myself for while take care
Pete
Hi Pete Thank you, it helps knowing there’s others that understand. I’m reading and writing a lot. Am hoping my new Neurologist can help as well. That’s terrible that your broadband was hacked, most days it’s my link to the outside world. Julieann
Hi Julie Ann I rely on it as well still trying to get in on new system so if I break up and run I apologise in advance if it’s OK I would like to stay in touch as we been through a lot of similar things I’m here any time for you if I can help I will I’m 9th member of my family with pd tho, a cousin looks to be joining us its 2yrs tomorrow I lost my dad to pd so I’m little down this week anyway take care
Pete
I know the following piece, is in Creative Corner now
But it is written as I feel events, updated every then and now
It started when I was told it’s PD
And will continue as long as I can see
Or tell someone to write for me
My very own epic, my Legacy
Sitting in my corner
Others pass and stare
Wondering what I am doing
Why am I sitting there
It’s not their fault
I know that
My minds been on that train
For how are they to know
That fate has took the blame
My arms, just want to argue
With legs that weigh of lead
But how are they to know
My body argues with my head
When walking through the crowded mall
Where others try to rush
Nobody wants to humour you
When you say give us a push
It’s not their fault
I know that
My minds been on that train
For how are they to know
That fate has took the blame
It’s lonely in that little chair
That no one wants to know
But now I cannot even raise a limb
For they won’t let me go
I try to laugh, I try to smile
And do the thoughtful things
To ignore the bleeding obvious
And all the hurt it brings
If only for my loved ones
I hide behind my grin
For I do not wish to hurt them
By saying what’s within
It’s not their fault
I know that
My minds been on that train
For how are they to know
That fate has took the blame
Distraction, fear and heartache too
Are hidden yet unseen
While all the while I hope to hear
From Parkinsons…your clean
Oh look! My arm is moving!
Doing what it’s told!
Should I try and use it?
Can I be so bold?
Too late, it on its own again
But those few seconds were gold
I now don’t see the watchers, deliberating me,
All I see is the chance to move
An opportunity!
To rise up like the human, the man that still fights strong
Though the watchers do not know it
It’s not where they belong
It’s not their fault
I know that
My minds been on that train
For how are they to know
That fate has took the blame
So sit there in my lonely world
Nothing here to gain
All I have is anguish
Exhaustion, hurt and pain
There is no one around me
That know of all my thoughts
For how can I tell anyone
Of the nightmare I have caught
It’s not their fault
I know that
My minds been on that train
For how are they to know
That fate has took the blame
They say I’m always sleepy
With snores to wake the dead
For a days worth of concentration
Well, it messes with my head
So when you see me sitting
With eyes closed, open wide
Don’t judge or second thought me
I’m still there, still inside
It’s not their fault
I know that
My minds been on that train
For how are they to know
That fate has took the blame
Pressure, pressure, how does it feel
Pressure, pressure, yes, I know that it’s real
Pressure, pressure, I’m not a real fan
I try to say this to them, but they don’t understand…
Please someone tell me…
What was my crime
To be dragged into agedness
Before my right and honest time
It’s lonely in that little chair
That no one wants to know
But now I cannot even raise a limb
Why won’t they let me go?
They try hard not to hurt me
But they know i can see
They all are glad it isn’t them
The cursed things is on me
The sun has got his hat on
Hip, oh, pip hooray
I wish that he would bugger off
Not in the mood today
I don’t need all this changing
The moving of the doors
Now I don’t know where I am
Or where I was before
Why did that all happen
Where did it go wrong
Why on earth did you do that
For f+*ksake change the song
They say wait till tomorrow
All it will be fine
But all I have is in next year
Please give a better sign
I’m sitting in a darkened edge
No-one could blame at all
I wouldn’t even need to jump
I would simply have to fall
So as I trip along this path
My thoughts move to the aftermath
About the people that still care
And see the gap when I’m not there
My crazy heart it must go on
Beating its irregular drum
The others they can not know why
That everyday I wish to die
My open eyes, they cannot see
My arms they will not listen to me
My legs won’t do as they are told
Before my time, I’m getting old
There must be something I can do
The medics say this is not true
Just have these pills you have to take
Otherwise you’ll start to shake
It’s not their fault
I know that
My minds been on that train
For how are they to know
Please, someone take the blame
I’m forgetting what it feels like
Not to be alone
To feel the warmth of another
And see their smile at dawn
Instead I greet the new day
Long before the dawn
Life long 3am club
Will cause a constant yawn
Six long days depress my head
Six long days, may as well be dead
Sitting around, as it’s hard to walk
Even finding it hard to talk
Someone took a picture
In there I saw a face
It was, and yet, it wasn’t mine
Did someone take my place
They were my eyes, the nose is right
And yet I have to change my sight
For it is only now that I can see
The person that is…no isn’t me
It’s not MY fault I know that
Please let me off the train
I really, really want to know
How to play a different game
They are still searching for the poison
Designed to keep me alive
But thier limbs all cooperate
So why should they break their stride
They have a vested interest
In keeping us this way
For if they should, please, find a cure
Their job would go away
Still sitting in this lonesome chair
Feels like it’s been all night
But for all my thinking in the world
I can’t put that world to right
Have pill and you won’t shake
You can live a life but then
The thing they do not tell you
You’re awake at 3am!
Still knackered
8am i here the beep, at 12 it beeps again
My watch it keeps reminding me
My pills come to an end
As if I didn’t already know
Good news good news comes at last
For once the day is fine
A Great Grandfather I am to be
A child while there is time
I was concerned I would not see
Or have the speech to tell
Of all the things they need to know
In this world, to do well
Watch me! Watch me!
When will they learn?
Watch me! Watch me
No energy to burn
You tell me, tell me
To get up and go!
My mind it says YES!
My body says NO!
Body wins…again,
I’m sick of being on the wrong end
My head it says attack
Problem is the army is of my mind
My body sends them all right back
I am the fighter
I am the knight
You say I can’t beat this
But that can’t be right
I refuse to lie down
Give up or be beaten
There is no quarter asked for
And no quarter given
Only one can surrender
Only I have that right
But don’t hold your breath
For I am the knight
Who holds my night,
Then turns it to day
Then takes all my sleep
And throws it away
Those nights are so long
Just a blink-less long stare
Reminding me nightly
Of the small, lonely chair
It’s not their fault, I know that
Nor am I to blame
Yet every day the posts don’t move
So the case it stays the same
Yet still the hope is waiting
My arm has stopped its shake
Surely though it’s just a blip
To make my poor heart break
And yet the days continue
Turning into weeks
Sixty days to you
As still my arm stands strong
Is this a new PD medicine
To share out to the nation
All it is, and this is true
An hour on the PlayStation!
Living an existence
Still searching for the key
That fits the lock no-one has found
That brings me back to me
It’s not MY fault, I know that
This much I know is true
But the train is approaching a station
With a sign that blurts Stage 2
Thank the Gods this train is battened
A steam built in 64
It really struggles on hillsides
It don’t do fast no more
But I know that inside of me
The changes that I feel
The dark cloud in the distance
Unavoidable and real
More winter nights than summer days
Less sitting in the sun
Still fighting every battle
Some lost, and yet, some won
Sitting in my corner
Others pass and stare
Wondering what I am doing
Why am I sitting there
It’s not their fault
I know that
My minds been on that train
For how are they to know
That fate has took the blame
Chemists, they aren’t helping
Prescriptions always wrong
They all say it suppliers
Or the Surgery, haven’t gone
Or sending separate prescriptions
Must sent via lorry
Not once does any chemist say
We got it wrong, I’m sorry
The Government is years behind
You can rely that, with the State
We decided not to pay your meds
In the spending review of '68
Post diagnosis
2 minds
Two minds I have battling away
One full of good thoughts the other array
The ongoing battle is tough to win
When negativity keeps pushing inIt doesn’t take days or weeks to work out
But eventually you rid yourself of doubt
Your mind is trained to ignore all bad thought
And leads to that clear mind you have soughtThe breakthrough moment is when you define
And you realise only have one mind
The battle has finished and you have won
Two minds no more just the solitary oneSent from my iPhone
Good morning, Kbywater.
Enjoyed reading your interesting poem, and hope there are more to come. Bye for now, EM x
Movers and Shakers
.
Movers and shakers of the world unite
Together we’re stronger and share insight
Mutual support blessed with understanding
Parkinson’s people a bond that’s demanding
Learn from each other and raise funds for research
Lean on each other as we stumble and lurch
Proud to know you , as we face up to this blight
Movers and shakers of the world unite
Hi @Kbywater, 
Welcome to the Parkinson’s UK forum and thanks for contributing to the poetry section. Keep the great poetry coming! 
Best wishes,
Reah
Forum Community Manager
Do not underestimate the power of verse.
Or the unimaginable troubles it may help you traverse.
Get your brain working and create yourself a rhyme.
And feel the satisfaction of your precious time.
So pick up your pen, your ipad or phone.
You may not be Wordsworth but you will feel at home.
Tommy ™2019
We could so easily have resurrected the Ghost of Christmas Past, however, he was not some sort of Santa Claus bringing your favourite toys for Christmas, and we would have been left to pick up the pieces when the old lefty sashayed off into the sunset, In a fit of pique because 17.4 million children sent a letter saying that they wanted some new toys this year!
So, will the children get their Christmas present , albeit a bit late, or will the unhappy helpers enable the Ghost of Christmas past to spoil the party again?
But, was it all a dream?
I mean, do ghosts really exist
Or do they just appear when we’re Brahms & list?
Some believe in the poltergeist
Me, I think I’ll consult the local priest
So Father tell me is any of it true
I’d like an honest opinion on this from you
'cause you will see it from a religious stance
And not lead us all a merry dance
Do ghosts really exist & can go thru a wall
Or are they imagined in tales so tall
Are they mentioned Father, in the good book
I don’t know and no time to look
You’re the expert on biblical tales, might
You spare us some time & put us right
Do ghosts then really exist
Or do we only see them if we’re Brahms & List?
And what about Christmas?
Christmas comes but once a year
Once too much for some like me I fear
All that hustle, bustle and expense
Shoppers searching so intense.
But shoppers take so little time
To notice disabilities like mine
Banging and bumping me out of the way
Just to get stuff they can get any day
Christmas shopping fever has altered their mind
One track only searching for that special ‘find’
And people with PD are a nuisance to them
‘Get out of my way you silly old man’
Can’t you see your holding me up, and some
I must get more shopping before this day is done
otherwise I’ll miss all the bargains , you understand me
Go play in the traffic I really don’t care that you have PD
Ah well I think I’ll have a Coffee in Starbucks instead
For out of the way is better than dead
I’ll stay there until shoppings over for you
Yes i’ll be occupying a table I know , but what can you do
I’m past caring what you & others will think
I’ll just be oblivious and slurp up my drink
'cause shopping to me is oh such a curse
And as you now know it’s not just from having an empty pensioner’s purse
And sitting there watching that madding crowd
Will make me want to shout out ever so loud
Lemmings and sheep are acting like you
Calm down my dears or a heart attacks due
Yes Christmas comes but once a year
I love it of course with family dear
But only when the shopping is done
And then we relax and have us some fun
Happy New Year
Do ghosts really exist?
Or do the spirits just get you pissed
The answer is simple, I’ll give it to you
Both answers say …yes that is true!
Timing is crucial for finding the dead
Along with an open mind
Analyse the world, as more Han one space
Learn from the answers you find
Einstein accepted the multi-world theory
For every yes there’s a no
Everyday you decide to stay
You also decide to go
Spirits can certainly get you Brahms & List
Especially the one taken with a lemon twist
Simple really it’s the alcohol which makes us stop & stare
At spectres and ghouls who really aren’t there
That however is the simple side of this equation
But it doesn’t provide a real answer to this Nation
About what really does happen when we shuffle off this mortal coil
Do we just rest there under the hallowed soil
It depends of course on your point of view
Is belief in God and an afterlife the thing for you
With Ghosts and Spirits as part of the deal
Does your belief make them feel ever so real
Or are you one of the non - believer kind
Like Einstein do you question all with your superior mind
Do you only deal in fact and things you can see
If you are , there is still time for thee
Until the last breath you will still get a chance
And even though thru life you may have led him a merry old dance
To find your God, his Spirits , yes the ‘Holy Ghost’
But until then keep up the great poetry, give it the most
Ah, the God question rears its head
Why stop with one… have loads instead
My ancestors followed the Aesir Gods
I must do the same
In Odins words and Thors protection
In honour I live my days
My family live in Viking Land, and Copenhagen is my Second Home.
The sun was out in Viking land on Sunday
My two grandsons & I went out to play
Didn’t think it would be so cold
Blinking freezing, if I may be so bold
Came over from London Gatwick by Norwegian Air
Through the airports in a wheelchair
Good service and with a smile and a care
Thought this experience with you I’d share
No need to worry or be afraid
The service is free for all, no one paid
Lounges here and lounges there
First in the lines due to that old wheelchair
Seat no 1 in that 737
Boy was I in seventh heaven
Treated with laughter & a smile
Better than pity by a country mile
Gran’ s already booked the next trip
Two month’s time & remember this tip
Try Norwegian Air 'cause their return fare is really cheap
Especially if pockets these days aren’t too deep
All new Boeings every one
Which when all is said and even done,
Are comfy fast and not too loud
And fly straight & level above that North Sea cloud
And get us there in a flash
Without a feeling of it being ‘one mad dash’
And waiting there again at the gate
Will be the family ,or my son at any rate
Then we’ll grab a bite I would think
Or perhaps to the harbour for a drink
Anyway whatever we eventually up to get
It’ll be great doing it all together again, & that’s a safe bet
Sounds good, Mike.
Viking land, the heart of Odin
Beats the valorous warrior true
Frozen face forests yet embolden
Heroes out for daring do
Reputation lives for ever,
Blood feud shows no pain
Slaughter of the helpless hidden
Charlemagne is the murderer true
Sails bear west, to land of Angles
Saxons quaking, darkness fear
Ruthlessstrikes the martial avengers
Leaving no pity, no quarter to hear
All over the west our warriors roam
Wood floaters loaded capacity reached
Return our heroes vengeance achieved
Wary of Loki the trickster still speaks
Tot, this is wonderful, thank you again for your inspiration!