Slow Paralysis

Just one toe,
then taking a foot it moves
up the body weakening muscles in its path
settling in a finger--just one.
Not done for the year the voice starts to diminish in its wake
and tremors are seen where calves atrophied last summer.
Now two toes--and two fingers--curled and useless
like upside-down coat hooks continually getting in the way.
A hand no longer able to hold a fork.
Then resting, as if teasing that maybe--just maybe--there will be a remission.
But not to be as throat muscles spasm and a swallow of water evokes a choke.
Wheelchair,
hospital bed,
feeding tube,
breathing device,
computer generated voice,
full time care.
The mind stays sharp. A blessing?
Perhaps.

K.R. March/09