I think I want to add a note to this poem I have posted.
We all see things from different perspectives. And that
is particularly true about art – in this instance – poetry.

One of the themes I feel strongest about, (which comes
out in my poems, is how important having a good attitude
is. Hope, and faith, and love, and connection make even
more of a difference in Parkinson’s disease then other
chronic diseases. MS, MD, the list is long.

Having any disease is horrid but the key difference
is that the chemical that helps people have balance
and adapt and cope with their ailment, in Parkinson’s,
is completely or almost completely missing.

Dopamine is the I’m ok you’re ok, happiness, trust,
ambition, link, & the cushion of protection from
depression and freefall when life’s bad things happen.

So, just as everything you do is a choice you make,
even though it may seem like you have no choice,
you do. With your life, and this poem. So don’t let
anything, or anyone, take your dreams or keep you
from making your choices – good ones.

Shoring up my defenses is a lot harder for me now
then in 1987 but I will never give up.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ending verse to the poem:

You only have this one life, and this
Is you, the portrait, yours, you are painting.
Its up to you what you make of it
Your dreams are the life you are making.