Poems by Tommy Chuter

A life remembered.
A voice undimmed.

Warm, witty and honest poems drawn from a lifetime of memories—and from living creatively with Parkinson’s.

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80% of Tommy’s profits from the book will be donated to Parkinson’s UK.

Cover of My Life of Rhyme by Tommy Chuter

“Empathy, not sympathy.”

Tommy Chuter smiling while holding his newly published book

Tommy, with his book for the first time

Meet the writer

It began with an hour off school.

In 1961, nine-year-old Tommy won a classroom poetry competition at East End Primary School in Aldershot. His prize was to leave an hour early. He cannot remember the poem—but he never forgot the feeling.

Music, songs and verse followed. Years later, Parkinson’s changed Tommy’s strength and dexterity, but not his imagination. Writing became mental exercise, companionship and a joyful way to speak to the wider world.

“Writing has become a prop, a friend, a necessity in my life.”— Tommy Chuter

After the book

New poems from Tommy

The writing did not stop when the book went to print. Here is something new.

New poem · August 2026

1952

A quickstep through seven decades of memories.

Born in 1952, post-war baby dressed in blue,
Lots of things would come my way, all those things were yesterday.

Family picnics, large tin flask, once a week in cold tin bath,
Bag of winkles, safety pin, chew pig’s trotters, hairy skin.

Climb a hill and walk to school, joined-up writing, chalk on wall,
Growing bigger, time moves on, playing chess with Uncle John.

Take the money, open the box, for someone, Opportunity Knocks.
You’ll wonder where the yellow went, Mum’s bread pudding, heaven-sent.

Standard Fireworks, better than Brocks! Times weren’t easy, darning socks.
Family Favourites, Michael Miles, Bobby Moore and Nobby Stiles.

Watch with Mother, Bill and Ben, “I am a Dalek”, News at Ten.
Candid Camera, Route 66, London Palladium, magic tricks.

Family outing with the pub, seaside, sand and loads of grub,
Crombies, chokers, hot pants, flares, feeling old when climbing stairs.

Get a mortgage, pass your test, ditch Ben Sherman, wear a vest,
Influenza, pains in heart, written a will yet? Time to start!

So much more that I could say, about my time that sped away.
Think of all those days gone by, have a brandy, have a cry.

Think of all those days before, have a smile, add some more.

“1952” was written after My Life of Rhyme was published and does not appear in the original edition.

Poetry with purpose

Supporting Parkinson’s UK

Parkinson’s UK is the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. Wherever you’re from, whatever you need.

From searching for a cure and campaigning for better health and care, to funding research into groundbreaking new treatments and running life-changing support services. It’s all driven by one mission: improving life with Parkinson’s.

80% of Tommy’s profits from the book will be donated to Parkinson’s UK.

This is an independent fundraising initiative and is not presented as an official Parkinson’s UK publication.

Read it your way

Laugh, remember—and perhaps shed a nice tear.