Jo Ann,

Thank you for the note.  When I posted the "The Dancer" I was afraid that some people might be offended by comparing a drunk to someone with Parkinson's.  Even though diagnosis about 6 or 7 years ago, I have not really seen many others with Parkinson's.  So, I was unaware there might be such a comparison in some cases until the night of the benefit.

After posting the piece I decided it did not have the impact that I wanted.  The conclusion was not personal enough so I have added another verse at the end and made several word changes throughout.  Here is the last verse:

The impact on me was far greater than most.
For I am a Parkie and I saw a ghost.
It was he that was showing my future to be.
Just be happy and dance, ignore people like me.

If you want a fresh copy, please email me.

Again Thanks

…Clay  

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jo Ann Coen" <[log in to unmask]&msg=MSG1010180389.71&start=5332434&len=1878&src=&type=x">[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]&msg=MSG1010180389.71&start=5332434&len=1878&src=&type=x">[log in to unmask]> Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2002 10:16 AM
Subject: Re: The Dancer
> Clay - I really enjoyed "The Dancer". Many people thought my love was
> eiher drunk or had a hangover (staggering and tremors). I can certainly
> relate to that. They also had a tendency to interrupt him in
> mid-sentence, either because he was speaking so slowly, or when he
> searched for a word, they thought he was through. Some even ignored him
> as if he wasn't there. When I was with him, I would always come back to
> him and say, "And what were you saying?" But I truly believe it's
> because people don't understand and not because they are stupid. Best
> wishes, Jo Ann
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------