THE "BEAST" :Parkinson's-ending revised

your gift to write about this this brave facing Longo makes me realize that poetry is the balm that eases all suffering wounded youth living adult striving death eyeing us with steady glance "cant keep the Beast away until it has had its fill" immensely powerful line no struggling no weakening facing it fully my best thoughts to you today Sir another superb write

Can't tell you in mere words how sad this makes me but its a terrible truth that many people suffer and live with each day ... your couragous in your words and in their honesty , the beauty of a battling soul , shines though ever so deeply ... much respect and love Jayne

Other poets write of it but do not experience it, you give this its powerful potency and makes us shudder in our hearts at you having to face such devastating terrors. Would that we could change it and hear/see more of those delicately lovely passsages that we know you can write too. Not to belittle this poem which I think of as wonderful; we can almost feel its talons and bleed along with your pain and feeling of helplessness. How we should consider ourselves blessed not to have to go through what you do, and every minute of every day be thankful for what we have, and are, when we are not ill. I always say 'Good Health' first when I hold up my wine, nothing else is as important to wish another and so now I will raise my glass to you dear Longobardolino and wish you strength and courage to face the demons of Parkinson's. You may all join in if you like as the more of us there are the greater the strength we give to Longo. Skaal, Saluti to a brave man, your Annucia

"no magic potion" says it all. You are incredibly brave to write about this. May your words show others that they are not alone... Yours, ~Nina

Raising my glass along with the lovely Ann of Norway!!!!! Richard

Although we will never experience your pain, you let us "peek" into you hell Longo, Thank you for sharing~ A powerful write here~ ______________________________________________________ Income-tax forms should be more realistic by allowing the taxpayer to list "Uncle Sam" as a dependent Anonymous

Thank you for sharing this courageous piece of your life with us. I am speechless. Always, CAt

Hi Longo, how hard must it have been to write this? It was brave, with little or no hint of wallowing in self pity I think it takes a special person to write about something so debilitating Especially when it is personal. I hate to say God bless After reading No plea No Prayer. But I will nevertheless

Profound, moving, consuming. This poem could be indicative of much that ails. Written in such intensity. Very intense, beautiful. My heart feels your pain. Corina

written with incredible, power, courage and candour. This is the first time I have read such a graphic description of a condition from the horse's mouth. An uncle of mine, living in Manchester, also suffers from Parkinsons. The last line: Waiting for the next kill Another day. says a lot about your courage and who you really are. It is easier (I mean it takes less courage) to write about something like this when you are not the victim. The manner in which you have written this piece makes me question myself and my attitude to things which are less favourable. Your courage needs to be saluted!!! Leonard

My beast is heart disease. I'm struck by the feeling of fatalism I get from your poem. Coupled with the vivid metaphor of a savage ravening animal it makes a very powerful impact. And there is no self-pity in it, no sorrow for oneself, and I like that a lot: so many others would wallow in dismay and self-righteous anger at their circumstance. There is a sense of quiet strength that flows from your words as well, a powerful feeling that in spite of this rabid creature's attacks, life will continue no matter how hard the road is. I know that feeling all too well. Respectfully Jim "Laws and rules don't kill freedom: narrow-minded intolerance does" : Race

So much pain in this, Longo.... Many of us face different beasts like that in different ways.... A great piece indeed... Best Wishes, Wafi "Culture, location and beliefs; All vanish with love!" ~Afzal Shauq~

Just read your poem. A vivid discription of how if effects your life, how it grips you and throws you down without mercy, how it turns your life upside down and it is unrelenting and impassionate so that death is the only way out. There are worse things than deah. Thank you for writing this poem, it has given me an incite to the world of those who have parkinsons, hopefully I have a slightly better understanding now.

and as a Neuroscientist i know only too well what the ravages of Parkinsons can do in tearing a person apart. My profound respect for the fighting spirit in which you have conveyed your experience and thoughts. My best wishes Keith PS there is a small typo you might want to correct. "still" rather than "stil"

:)

I regret that I cannot give you a sixth star on this. The new ending makes it even more intense. Nearly speechless, ~Nina

Fight on my friend, your courage has not failed, and you have such an inner beauty. Thank you for sharing. Linda

What can the poet do but to tame the beast within? Thank you Poet. We are so fortunate Longo, no matter what happens, it is kindling wood for the fire in our souls. Much love, Anna My father had Parkinson's; I think from the 50's drugs he was given, MD, MS is in my extended family. I have caregiven Parkinson's patients. Bless you Longo, I found this a very deeply personal and yet freeing poem. The minute one is born, death is already waiting. It's just a matter of when & how, life takes no prisoners-for-life. "You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics." Charles Bukowski

I sometimes think should I be buried (cremation is the way for me) that Munch's "the scream" will rest with me. Love always Longo, your eyes see through that which comes what may with the burning intensity of unfailing, unyielding passion. ~A "You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics." Charles Bukowski