S E E T H E P E R S O N I N S I D E

If I were blind I know you’d show me the way
If I were deaf – you’d find a way to communicate
But I freeze, move or shake, so stiff I feel as if chained
The pills that I take make it seem I’m ok

My steps are slow – I often hesitate
Embarrassed by my shuffling, limping, uneven gate
Don’t walk on ahead, let your smiling eyes say
That I still walk with grace (Thanks won’t show on my face)

I’m just like you – please – look in my eyes
Don’t just see the disease, see the person inside
Parkinson’s is part of me but not why
I choose JOY, I choose HOPE,
I choose LIFE
Let your respect show, leave me dignity of soul
It means more than you know.

I cannot do the things that I used to do
I struggle each just trying hard to fight off the blues
And the humiliation, if you only knew
What it’s like being stuck in this body of mine

I’m the same person I was yesterday
Who walked tall and proudly lead the way
Parkinson’s took, I had not choice, had no say
Still, I choose to make noise, to deny fear a voice
I choose to celebrate.
A cure would be bliss, time won’t wait so I live
Each day as a gift.
1992 akc