London stroke survivors launch stroke poem

A group of stroke survivors from across London have created a collaborative poem about their life experiences.

Local stroke survivor Patricia Rodney, 50, from Thamesmead, was inspired to create a poem which could help other stroke survivors share their experiences. As a result, six stroke survivors took part in a Stroke Association poetry workshop at The Poetry Café in Covent Garden with Writing for Wellbeing Practitioner, Elizabeth Sarkany, on Wednesday 18 May, to reflect on their personal experiences and share their inspirational stories.

Patricia had stroke in 2011 and 2014, which left her with left-sided weakness, speech difficulties, and depression. Patricia said: “Professionals didn’t understand my emotional state when I had my stroke. When I cried, they didn’t know what to do. I found it hard to talk about the stroke with friends and family. I still don’t like to burden them with it. I turned to poetry to talk about my feelings, and this was how my family found out about how I really was feeling.

“The stroke was such a shock at my young age; I’m still struggling to accept it. But I really do believe poetry can play a huge part in dealing with the emotions a stroke survivor is often faced with.”

Brent stroke survivor, Ronald Ferguson, 57, also attended the poetry workshop. He said: “I’ve always loved poetry, so was really pleased to be involved with the group. The day taught us to read poetry in a different way; I really enjoyed being part of it.”

Elizabeth Sarkany said: “The Stroke Association’s workshop was a wonderful celebration of stroke survivors’ lives and journeys. The writers worked together to create a piece that belongs to them all, but also very definitely represents each of them individually. I felt really privileged to be part of such an important and uplifting project."

John McGlone, Community Development & Partnerships Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Creative activities such as singing, painting and poetry can help stroke survivors build their confidence and find their voice again. There was an amazing amount of talent in the group, and they all showed overwhelming courage and determination in sharing their experiences throughout the session."

Journey interrupted

You took the wind out of my sails,

interrupting my journey without explanation.

It's like a circuit board: until you understand it

you can't fix it.

Why?

It feels like being cut in half

and you need to find your

new centre of gravity.

I want to be free of disability.

That won't happen so

I surrender to my situation and

move on.

But I just want back what I had before.

Playing football before my stroke

gave me freedom.

Hinterland of the soul - greyness, dampness.

A stroke of bad luck.

The Bomb.

My higher self is fearless.

But I'm still recovering from an experience.

From Oblivion.

I have become so emotional and sensitive.

Smiles and sad eyes live on all the while.

I dream able-bodied, oh

I dream able-bodied. I

dream able-bodied, yes I do.

But there are accidents when alone.

Helplessness.

I am seldom taken seriously,

defined by my brain injury.

The unchanging nature of things

brings comfort.

And Brighton, with my daughter aged three.

Camden Market,

candlelit baths,

sugary food.

Special times.

Notebook and pen.

A new beginning.

A different life.