Parkinson’s is a dreaded disease

It has been known to bring the strongest to their knees

Without compassion it doesn’t dissipate

And it will never intentionally discriminate

For some it steals their ability to walk

And it makes other people unable to talk

The human body is its victim big or small

And it doesn’t matter if they are short or tall

Deviously it increases one man’s libido

And with no mercy it destroys another man’s ego

Many of its targets suffer severe tremors

While others experience nightmare horrors

Coordination and strength are always destroyed

And it causes many a man to be unemployed

It will ruin someone’s appetite

And mitigates another one’s ability to fight

Carpe diem each day one must seize

For life can end quickly like fallen trees

Once it strikes the future may be dim

And it gloats victoriously at its unfortunate victim

But don’t give up, concede, or appease

For one day science will deliver great news

Our finest minds let us dedicate

So someday this scourge we’ll eradicate

War is an anathema—the Devil’s curse

It spawns hatred and reveals man at his very worst

It steals away happiness

And shows no remorse

And the horrors that prevail

Point to war as the source

Bloodshed scars the earth with indelible stain

And the stench that’s produced one cannot contain

War seldom generates a lasting peace

For retaliation and revenge never cease

And only God can wipe away the mournful tears

So before one raises his hand to strike his foe

Be mindful of the terror and the ensuing woe

Far across the deep blue ocean

In a long forgotten land

There’s a cry for liberation

And a plea for for freedom’s hand

But who shall help this land forlorn

In its grave hour of need

For those who do must bear the scorn

Despite the noble deed

Capt. Robert Padousis

U.S. Army Dental Corps

Cam Ranh Bay Vietnam 1966

Forty five years ago you took my name

I had already given you my heart

So there was nothing more for you to claim

As we became one and vowed to never part

And now we celebrate the love we shared

And though everything in our lives is slowly fading

We asked that our memories be spared

And thank the Lord for his generous blessing

These memories are our lasting treasure

With moments of sadness and infinite pleasure

So join us tonight in our revelry

And relive those times in our reverie

A loyal friend is a priceless treasure

His value indeed is beyond and measure

With gentle heart he is always available

And his sympathetic manner is most commendable

Such a friend is Victor Woods

And I cannot ask for more

His humorous stories are never a bore

And to life’s many problems he knows the score

He brightens up each cloudy day

And brings a smile to everyone

It’s a pleasure to hear him laugh

Before each day is done

He’s dependable as the morning sun

You can count on him for loads of fun

At times he may sound pessimistic

But his temperament is never ballistic

Truly he is one of a kind

A better friend you’ll never find