Parkinson's Disease Poem by Colin Ian Jeffery

(For John Selley)
Progressive disease of nervous system, tremors, muscular
rigidity, body closing down with brain remaining bright and
clear.

Hands shaking with uncontrollably movement
Body surrendering and crumpling
Mind captive, alert and bright, unable to communicate.
Muscles failing with arms and legs no longer obeying
Walking slow with shuffling hesitating painful steps
Body beyond mind's control, disease ruthless
Future bleak without mercy, way ahead grim and dark.
With each new day struggling to be active
Hoping science will find the miracle cure ending the agony.
Daily medication slowing decline and tremble of hands
Parkinson a crucifixion suffered for many years
Until only the mind is active and cannot communicate.
Frightening road ahead needing courage to follow
Resolved with support enduring each dawn's grimmer.