Wobbly Woman

Wobbly Woman

I am a wobbly woman
It’s something I can’t stop
I have a strange condition
That keeps me on the hop

It’s something neurological
Gets worse as time goes by
But it doesn’t stop me doing
All the things I want to try.

I have to find a way around
My problems, not retreat.
So I don’t keep it a secret
From the people that I meet.

Drinking is a problem
If the cup’s full to the brim
I can neither hold the cup,
Nor drink. It can be rather grim.

But! I have a straw to take with me
And ask for less in cups
That way I manage pretty well
A cup or glass to sup

Restraining peas on plate is tough
But makes me laugh with glee
When off one goes, we have a name
We call it an ‘escapea’!

A second implement I have,
A piece of cutlery, a spork
Whatever’s that, I hear you ask –
A cross between a spoon and fork.

At first this thing was fairly mild
Affecting only hands
But getting older as I am
My legs now wobble when I stand

The shaking is involuntary
In a rhythmic kind of way
Affecting any part of body
Mostly hands is what they say

I type instead of writing
And sit rather than stand
I cope whatever way I can
I may need help, please understand.

I’m not the only one to suffer
Oldest son’s affected too.
And grandfather on mother’s side
Though at the time, nobody knew

‘Essential Tremor’ it’s now called
Strange disorder, stranger name!
Not writing this for sympathy
Create awareness is my aim!

Vicki Clemerson

30 Jun 2021