Swinging Tourette

TOURETTE Tic tic tic Twitch Jerk Lash out Kick out Click clack Stutter "Those are the tools of Tourette's trade" My psychiatrist says, and he is smiling "That's how your body's brain is made, Such is your brain's different wiring" I merely assumed that stuttering Caused extreme concentration, Made extremities flail and fling, Hoping for better pronunciation. "No", he says, "but you can learn To suppress and focus for a while. Channel surplus energy in turn To writing, singing, dance. So smile!" Yes he is right, it's just a name For what I do, it seems, a lifetime. But deep in me I have such shame It may be me, it's far from fine. All the surgery the future brings Will improve my life, I love it But won't silence Tourette who sings And dances as long as he deems fit. So I will dance with him and stutter My words on paper or from my mouth My face will tic, my hands will flutter With dignity, because I am proud This here is me, I'm writing colour, Paint images with written words It's giving happiness, therefore I am allowed, I may be heard.