Ode to Parkinson(s)

Parky said his wonderful friend's
Mind had dulled, he wasn't the same-
I don't think Parkinsons
Is a friend to many,
It will take what they've got
And strip it away.

Billy (was) a force of life-
Sexy, zany, funny
He didn't much care
Who he offended,
There wasn't much to lose
His humour stops him getting angry.

I knew my father would forgo
Some mobility, a lifestyle
Perhaps didn't realise
Parkinsons reaches the mind
He stares at the TV documentary,
Mouth slightly agape
Turns slowly to us-
"He swears a lot, doesn't he?"

© Amanda Derry

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Amanda Derry joined a Creative Writing class, following a breakdown, which played a significant role in her recovery. She now embeds literacy skills into classes that she teaches. Amanda also runs the Facebook Group, I Love Writing.