Ellen Williams

THE PARKINSON RAP

So, this is my piece and I need to say it
That the night before I meet my new brain doc
I get uptight and nervous and filIed to the top with it –
Anxiety, I call it, in an anticipatory way,
Anxiety, 'cause I know just what he'll say:
"Here, take this pill and if that doesn't work
Then, we'll stick you in a tube where I'm sure to lose it
Claustrophobia, and I say: please don't, I pray,"
"But why suppose, for he may not propose
And just examine me and state he's so inclined
To treat me, treat me? yes, that's what he said,
We can treat you and said it again: shall we treat you"?

He was seated 'cross from me, at an eye to eye level
And with pupils so in tent and voice so incredible
And soft he mostly whispered when he spoke his intent:
What do you think? Would you like to vent?
I said " Yes, but I thought that docs of the brain
Use the rubber room and if that's in vain,
Use a shiny metal beanie with cords attached
But I can take it, if it will help my angst get a blast
Of Electricity, that is.
I pondered for a bit, then thought again,
"Maybe we can make a deal," said I to my
physician:
"Here are some alternatives that you can utilize
To restore my health and then you could publicize
So the big guys, like the AMA award you the big prize-
Pulitzer, that is. "

My deal is:

"Now, you can entreat me, beseech me, relieve me or bleep me,
You may seek me, defeat me, restore me, even adore me
Or retreat with me or keep me, reheat me, even greet me, - - -
But, please , please, please , just please don't treat me!"

"You can be sweet to me, believe in me, bombard me or supersede me,
See through me, be mean to me, correct me or even flatter me,
You can even screech at me, or keep me, be discrete with me

(If you examine me) –
                But, please, please, please , just please don't treat me!"

I think this new doc understood my demeanor
He didn't have to say that Parkinson's has no redeemer,
No toy, no tricks, no cure , or guarantee
But he doesn't know I'm a runner, a sprinter , if need be .
And maybe I can outrun that damned disease
To the far places of the mind and out of its reach
- "Let's do it," said the doc and I will meet you there
As long as you accept my deal,
so just to be fair:

You must continue to write, today and everyday.
You must challenge your brain to work in every way;
To stir up the neurons and dopamine too,
Til you finally realize that all you can do
Is to catch a fast horse and jump on its back
And ride it to frenzy and never look back.
So the doc said his piece and I did too.
Guess there's nothing more to say, to me or to you.

Guess I'll go walking in the country
And play in a pile of hay
And maybe all this
Will go away
Far away

Ellen Williams was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease five years ago. During the past year, she began to keep a journal expressing her experience. This led to other subjects and formats, such as poems, short stories and essays. Several poems and an essay have since appeared in local papers. Previously, Williams had earned a Master's degree, practiced as a counselor and had not seriously explored creative writing. Today, she is exuberant about her new interest and the joy it has given to her when sharing her works with her family and friends. She feels fortunate to have discovered such a fascinating challenge at this stage of her life.