I have been told that I have Parkinson's That surely cannot be true just what do I see when I look at me? Am I really that different from you?
I see a frozen face in the mirror, but I know what's going on in my mind. Just what do I see When I look at me? I see a beaming smile going on behind
My joints may be stiff and awkward, A strict meds timetable may rule the day. Just what do I see When I look at me? I see an active person adapting my way.
My speech can be quiet, slurred and mumbled, My writing can be too small to read. Just what do I see When I look at me? I see a poet trying hard to succeed.
So, it appears I do have Parkinson's, I have to accept that in the end. But what do YOU see when you look at me? I hope you see a true if ‘unbalanced’ friend.
Support and friendship is key, as is humour. A positive outlook to keep going each day. So hopefully we'll all see When you look at me Someone who's keeping Parkinson's at bay!!
Kerry Hartman - April 2021
Shuffle in my shoes
It's difficult to put into words so, I'm asking all of you to think about a Parkies day To shuffle in my shoes.
I wake up stiff and rigid, Until meds let me get out of bed. I stretch; I walk to make legs move I clear vivid dreams out of my head.
My day is made-up of three hourly bites, Between the ringing of meds alarm, Mornings are best to get things done When movement is smoother and more calm.
Evenings are more difficult carpet worn with shuffling gait, can’t even blame any alcohol on my slurred voice and sloth like state!
Some days I can move freely Smiling wide and holds conversation. Other days I can barely move, with frozen face and it’s sheer frustration.
So don't judge the stumbling walker Or the slow person in the queue They may be Parkies People, Think and take a step in our shuffling shoe.
Kerry Hartman - December 2025
What does it feel like to have Parkinson’s?
Imagine walking through sand or thick custard, Or suddenly being stuck to the pathway with glue, While others ‘tut tut ‘when you’re stuck in a rut They are unsure what to say or to do!
Try buttoning your jumper with oven gloves on, Holding a cup which refuses to stay still. Concentrate as you might, still when you write It’s illegible and slanting uphill!
Imagine wearing a blank mask with no movement, So, you look miserable when really you’re glad. Your voice fades away, what are you trying to say People just look at you and think you are sad!
Imagine a life ruled by meds taken hourly. A good mood can turn bad in a flash, Exhaustion gains as energy drains, Your body just wants to give up and crash
Imagine trying to plan any day out And you can’t actually step out the door. You freeze to the spot like an unsteady rock Plans cancelled for a few hours more.
Only a person with Parkinson’ s truly gets it, Coping with unpredictable issues each day. But we are humans too, not that unlike you, Stand by us and help us find a coping way.
