| To have essential tremor is to have the pleasure of friendships beyond neighborhoods, cities, and nations' borders, for essential tremor knows no boundaries in the global human experience. -Elsie J. Doll- |
| Tremor Tales page 20 |
| From Plump To Shapely Walking is fat loss exercise, yes siree. However, I don't get what is needed by me. But when I, a supportive living provider, Was stricken with major leg tremors At work during a thirty-second jaunt To the pharmacy for a client, Those thirty seconds became ten minutes. (By the time I got there, it was packed. Oh how I wanted to hide in a hole.) My embarrassment toll Had short affect, for ten minutes so shaky Trimmed my legs from plump to shapely. But no more treks with tremors major, Unless I'm riding a client's scooter. |
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| Victory Lap When the pizza guy knocked I, anxious, Perspired copiously as I dug Uselessly in my pockets for exact cash. Would need my credit card. Too late to chug drugs In order to bear a slow, shaky exchange. Still, I let him in, receive the pizza pie And, as the credit receipt I sign, I feign Airiness. Signing right in front of the guy. I then smile and wish a goodnight to him. Though signing with a tremor a tiny win, I take this triumph over the trap Of tremor embarrassment with glee And I run outside for a victory lap, My pizza held high like a trophy. |
| Diving To Calm Them At tremors boost, I dive to the floor, upset. Place forehead on hands and breathe my deepest. "Great dive!" a swim club member chortles. "Next time try the pool." "Uh oh," I mumble. "My social anxiety builds my tremors And I'm caught diving to the floor To calm them. "Drat!" I blurt. "I could've sworn The pool was right here. Putz, yup, that's me born." Feeling sheepish, I go outside. Anxiety strikes from more public eyes. Up go my tremors. "Bird attack!" I shout, and plunge To the ground to breathe them down. Civilians Scan the sky. No bird. They glower and move on. I get up minutes later; tremors calm, Rub my battered nose that now feels flat, And decide to carry along a cushioned mat For times when tremor anxiety hits. And on it I dive during the next tremor blitz. Some people, forbearing, watch with mirth, While others give me a wide, wide berth. |
| Shocks Aa! These shocks are driving me nuts! Dang that cable's live electricity. Gotta keep an eye on it when I put The screwdriver near with tremors unruly. Ook! Shocked again! Okay, I get the hint. It's time I end my handyman stints. I'm done screwing screws near live wires. Time to get shock-free Internet hired. Here I am at this computer, homesick For my general handyman business. Well looky here, loose wire screw. Just a little twist With my screwdriver and...shocked! 'Bout senseless! Goodbye homesickness. Good thing typing's easy. And though the mouse tends to be dodgy, It doesn't up and bite like electricity When my tremor conspires against me. |
| Upon This Mountain Upon this mountain near the sky I dwell in peace and happy sighs. Only folks who I hold dear Have I told could find me here. Around me gentle breezes blow Down to splendid views below. I've joy with tremors so much less Here away from worlds of stress. Upon this mountain of calming tenor Sits my cottage of comfy pleasure. No more am I essential tremor frayed As I live my life on this mountain stage. |
| Shake Away, American "Out of your car; be quick man!" Ordered the Canadian border customs officer. Greatly annoyed, I did and he cuffed my hands. "Thought you'd get across on the fly, mister? Too bad. I picked up on your tremoring head And I figured you're up to no good. For certain you're transporting contraband." He searched first 'neath my vehicle's hood. Now, I've issues with authority figures, And I ached to slam it down on him. But far from being a criminal, I endured His search and unveiled suspicion, With civility grimly tendered. It took fifteen minutes to find no bad stuff, And he freed my hands. "Come again to Windsor," He said and waved me on. "You won't be cuffed." "No searches either?" I asked. "I'll be shaking." "Eh? None, if you hold still next time, my friend." "Hold still essential tremor?" I said, musing. "Maybe when you're no longer Canadian." Laughing, he said, "Shake Away, American." |
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