Humour, Heart & Hope
Humour, Heart & Hope takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride—from Paul’s Parkinson’s diagnosis to coping with an ileostomy called Stanley and anxiety, through dementia in the family and grief, all with an added twist of dark humour.
But Paul doesn’t stop there. He introduces you to a donut called Derek, Pete the Pothole and plenty of other daft stories along the way—all in rhyme.
★★★★★Excellent book!“This book truly made me reflect on my own life. It’s raw, honest, and filled with both humor and pain. I love the author’s style—he doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, yet he balances them with moments of joy and laughter. Some of the poems had me laughing out loud!”
A taste of Humour, Heart & Hope.
One of Paul’s honest, humorous reflections on living in a body that does not always follow the instructions.
Discover Humour, Heart & HopeI Have a Suit Malfunction, Sir! Book one extract
How did I get here, it's a bit of a blur?
I think I have a suit malfunction sir.Made in sixty-five and has Paul on the name plate.
You only get one, so look after its mate.Now I might have fallen out the odd tree.
Or dropped on my head a few times you see.I've had a few sporting injuries and the odd stitch.
This could be the reason for why I twitch.…the poem continues in Humour, Heart & Hope.
— Extract from Humour, Heart & Hope
The Board Paul’s favourite
Paul’s Parkinson’s nurse, Louise, recommended him to present his story to a hospital board. His anxiety went through the roof and, while waiting for his turn, he seriously questioned whether he could face the room. With his daughter Hollie there for support, Paul found the confidence to speak. The presentation moved people to applause and tears—and showed him just how far he had come. “The Board” captures that real moment, from fear and sweaty palms to faith, courage and finding the voice that was already inside him.
The Board
Oh my god, good lord,
I’ve been asked to present my story to the hospital boardIt was nice to be asked but my anxiety hit the roof
I couldn’t face people and that was the truthMy Parkinsons nurse Louise recommended me for the gig
So, I got all dressed up and acted bigSat in the canteen waiting for the nod
I was gonna start with, I was saved by God!But not religious and moving on quickly
In boardroom, it’s rammed and I’m feeling sicklySit down, sweaty palms and get introduced
I look over at Hollie my daughter which gives me a boostIt's time to speak, to have my say
It now or never, do I leave, or do I stay?To my dear friend confidence, I love your timing
I pitch for 10 minutes, it was very definingOnto the last slide and a get a tap on the knee
I'll read this slide, as the room gets all emotionallyLouise delivered the perfect last slide
Some people applauded and some people criedSome Q&A and I'm relaxed and at ease
Where was my anxiety gone, it's such a fucking teaseSo, if you suffer with Anxiety, you can always seek
What’s already inside, faith, courage, and confidence to speakSo, When I look back at all that emotion
— Paul Dennison, Humour, Heart & Hope
I think, look how far I've come with NHS devotion
Yellow Peril A lighter moment
An ordinary frosty morning, two iced-up cars and one spectacular case of picking up the wrong can.
Yellow Peril
Woke up one morning still sleepy and tired
Took the dog for a walk as requiredIt was early January frosty and cold
The cars were iced up, so was the roadHad a shower and got dressed ready for the day
Had to defrost both cars sitting in their baysTurn on each engine and cranks on the fans
Open the boot and take out the de-icer cansI spray all the windows with some pace
There's something wrong, you should see my faceHeld in my hand is not the can I thought
It was a tin of yellow marking paint I'd bought…discover what happened next in Humour, Heart & Hope.
— Extract from Humour, Heart & Hope
Do you struggle to explain your Parkinson’s to loved ones? These books may well help you do just that—and in rhyme.
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