I hit pot holes and my lips lose control
shape shifting into a hotheaded troll
but when roads are silky smooth
I down shift back into cool
pot holes are the cause of Tourette Syndrome
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.
"Can you sit still, for a change?
and stop the annoying clicking?"
I'm trying hard! It doesn't work!
I click, and keep on ticcing
"Sit in the back, don't want to see
your twisted face much longer
Pick up your notepad and your pen
Before I show my anger"
I spent my years in school alone
A quiet, silent dreamer
Because of what I couldn't control
I grew defensive armour
And only now I understand
That deep inside my heart hurts
That I am allowed to be just me
With my freaky quirky outbursts
This is just me, a little guy
Who writes and loves his wordplay
Who opens up his heart for you
So smile and please, please stay.