Parkinson's Poem by Colin Ian Jeffery

(For John Selley)

Hands shaking, uncontrollably physical movement
Increasing difficultly as body surrenders, crumpling
Mind captive, alert, bright, unable to communicate
Muscles failing, arms and legs no longer obeying
Walking slow, shuffling hesitating painful steps
Body going beyond mind's control, disease ruthless
Future bleak without mercy, worsening grim and dark.
Each day a bigger battle to strive and be active
Hoping science will find the cure ending the agony
Medication to slow decline and trembling hands.
Parkinson overwhelming, monstrous, suffering for years
Until only the mind is active and unable to communicate.
Such frightening road of shadows needing courage
Resolve, support, to endure each dawn's grimmer.