The Frozen Mask: A Collection of Poems on Living with Parkinson's Disease

On 15 August 2007, at the age of 48, Denis Murphy was diagnosed with early stages of Parkinson's Disease. refers to the "Freezing Gait," also known as Akinesia - The inability to start movement. Denis wrote this commentary and collection of poems to help express his emotions and feelings and to help readers understand the challenges one faces when living with a degenerative disease. Not only the physical symptoms, but the mental difficulties and the impact on one's self-confidence, self-esteem and the erosion of independence and freedom, we take for granted until lost. But also, the life changing challenges that inspire hope and a better appreciation for all life, in particular those close to us. In addition, Denis has included 15 poems about nature, mythology, life, and death and a short story. The book also contains 5 poems written by his wife, Emer Cloherty, about living with a person with Parkinson's Disease and a Layman's Guide to Parkinson's Disease. This book is a must read for anyone who knows someone who is suffering with Parkinson's Disease.