The Spell

The Spell

This poem was written in response to a request by my dear friends, Jerry and Sherri Bletzacker. For many years now Sherri has been aflicted with Meige's syndrome. It is a debilitating neurological condition that cause her eyes to blink and her jaw to close in spasms. For a time she went from first one doctor to another trying to find out what was causing this condition and just what it was. But unfortunately, not many doctors are familiar with the condition and even fewer have ever seen a case. I recall so vividly Sherri's distress and how self conscious she was of her condition. For a while she couldn't drive and really didn't go out in public anyway. It has really been an inspiration to me to see her courage and how she has dealt with this problem and others. This poem is dedicated to Sherri and all those with similar afflictions.

Gale L. Wolfenbarger
12 January 1992

The Spell

I think I'll not go out today,
The sun is very bright.
My lids and jaw now dance a jig,
I look a sorry sight.

Last week I ventured out my door
On such a sunny day.
A little boy of 5 or 6
Had met me on my way.

At first he wasn't sure at all
Just what the game I played
Or why would I choose him to put
My faces on display.

He watched in awe my face become
A grinning blinking frown.
He seemed to wonder if the circus had
Just got into town.

I told him how the Meige's had
Caused my eyes to blink
And spasms cause my face to smile
No matter what I think.

Soon his mother rescued me
From juniors frightful stare
And took him home to be with her
And that is only fair.

But I could hear him telling her
As they both walked away,
"But Mom it's just a mage's spell
That makes her look that way."

Perhaps he's right, for all I know.
Physicians really don't.
Perhaps tomorrow I'll go outside.
Today I think I won't.

Gale L. Wolfenbarger
12 January 1992