The ship has long since touched the shore,
But still, I feel the ocean’s roar—
A silent tide inside my brain,
That rolls and rocks without refrain.
No compass here, no steady map,
No final port, no time to nap.
Just swells that surge within my skin,
A world that spins beneath my grin.
Each step’s a dance I didn’t choose,
Each day, a bet I might just lose.
But in this sea I didn’t chart,
I learn to listen with my heart.
It is a journey—not a place—
So I move gently, give it grace.
I live and love each day anew,
When skies are gray, when skies are blue.
I greet the calm, embrace the storm,
Adjust my sails, shift from the norm.
I find the joy tucked in between
The moments lost and those serene.
So let the world tilt if it must,
I’ll plant my feet, I’ll learn to trust—
That though the waves may never cease,
I still can build a world, a life of peace.
About the Poet
My name is Elizabeth Cannard. I wrote this poem as a way to help me “feel” my way through this journey. Life with MdDS is a life in constant motion, whether it is real or in your head. Through this poem, I sought to express not only the disorientation and emotional toll of this syndrome, but also the profound strength, resilience, and grace required to navigate it. Each line echoes the quiet fight of those living with this condition daily, often undiagnosed or misunderstood.
I live in Southern New Hampshire with my amazing husband, our 3 children, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. MdDS began the night after an all day boating excursion in Punta Cana. I thought my initial symptoms were due to possible dehydration or heat. They said I had vertigo and prescribed Meclizine and the Epley maneuver. Nothing helped. I went to my primary doctor several times before they referred me to a specialist.
I’ve included a couple pictures of me riding my horse, since that is one of the things I can still do without getting dizzy and off balance. Riding is a true gift when some many other things are challenging.
I felt right with you in every word you wrote , the feeling cannot be conveyed any better ! Thank you for sharing.