Tremors of the hand refuse to die
As the neurons in the brain cry,
My voice now thready and legs falter,
Evaluation forced, my life lay on altar.
Everyone worried about what may be,
No heed to my wishes what be.
The pleasant doctor smiled and greeted,
Emotions shifted as he examined and tested.
Convinced but needed to reassure,
Pulled from behind for a diagnosis allure,
Pull test positive1, heard him say,
But for me, skies began to grey.
Look right, look left, up and down,
Obeyed but deep inside was meltdown.
Round the house2, went my eyes
Excitement sparkled in his eyes.
Diagnosis for one is cerebral delight,
For other, withering away after blight.
Hastily, a brain scan to be done,
Do more tests benefit me than stun?
The stamp of the diagnosis needed I assume,
More for the doctor or maybe my tomb?
Sun of the cheerful life has set,
Happiest hopes will be in debt.
Together we sail across, her touch ensured,
She held my hand, my tremors eased
Therapy, support, counsel and care
To guide and uplift, always there
Discussions evolved to white noise,
With PSP, stand with poise.
Tremor in my hand, I hold it near
My companion for the past one year,
Closed my eyes, looked deep inside
Found more allies, I hold with pride.
I have embraced them, one and all
As we journey forth for the long haul.
Loneliness in the last lap, I do not fear,
Mind body and soul, forever near,
Understanding their hue and whisper,
As we gently drift into slumber.
For now, I embrace the nightfall,
Enthralling, as the last curtains call.
- Jidhin Raj
References
1. Hunt, A. L. & Sethi, K. D. The pull test: a history. Mov. Disord. Off. J. Mov. Disord. Soc. 21, 894–899 (2006).
2. Quinn, N. The ‘round the houses’ sign in progressive supranuclear palsy. Ann. Neurol. 40, 951 (1996).
