Sponsored by PeaceChain Donation of 1500 POINTS peace-chain.tripod.com/
allpoetry.com/poets/peacechain
Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Contest
THIS CONTEST WILL END EASTERN STANDARD TIME (Québec, Canada)
MIDNIGHT ON December 02, 2006
In the early 1980s, an epidemic broke out in the world that quickly became a pandemic that would test the limits of mankind. This pandemic would affect government policy, the medical and scientific communities, funding for people who are infected/affected with this chronic illness and test the compassion of the world against this modern-day leprosy. Each country faced its own problems: South Africa saw a rise in the heterosexual communities and today there are more children orphaned from this illness than anywhere else in the world; Haiti saw an increase in women with HIV/AIDS because husbands went out and slept with younger girls and refused to use the free distributed condoms; in Europe, the rise became apparent amongst the drug community because of shared needles and lack of a needle-exchange program; and in Canada and US, the pandemic was traced back to the homosexual community. Each country faced it own problems and through this we experienced intolerance, discrimination, isolation, ostracizing, and death.
This contest is to write a poem about how HIV/AIDS is perceived now, 27 years later since it was first discovered by the American and French governments. It can be any FORMAT: a political/social commentary, a piece written In Memoriam, a testimony about living with HIV/AIDS or about caring for someone with HIV/AIDS. What It CANNOT be about is discrimination through attack and prejudices. I personally do not want to see a poem that says directly or indirectly FAGS=HIV or faggots must die! I would like to see writings that are compassionate, that show a possible understanding about this chronic illness and to see if there is any changes towards people living with HIV/AIDS in the past 25 years or if we are still stagnated in our thoughts towards this pandemic.
I have been living with HIV for 25 years, and have not been diagnosed with AIDS as of this date. What this means is that I am a carrier of the anti-bodies for this chronic illness and they have not replicated enough in my body for a full diagnosis of AIDS, but that can change as I go further into my years as a carrier. I have been a full-time volunteer in Canada and have opened up three community organization locally and one internationally for People Living with HIV/AIDS. I have sat on numerous para-governmental Board of Directors, Standing Committees for the Rights of people living with this chronic illness, hosted and presented documentation, reports, and statistics to numerous conferences locally, nationally and internationally for people living with HIV/AIDS. I have a Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality from Concordia University and continue to update my knowledge through my membership commitments to various international organizations.
HINTS: For my contests read the title of the contest and the categories that I have placed it in, you should be able to create something with that help. IMAGERY METAPHORS SIMILES ALLITERATION INTERNAL AND END RHYMES These are the five poetic techniques I will judge your poem and the "‘SHOW ME’ Don’t Tell Me" theory (more description and colour than abstract, concrete...make my senses soar: hear, touch, smell, see and taste)!
EXAMPLES FROM YOUR HOST HIV and AIDS A Collection by lordoftherings: allpoetry.com/list/4219
THE FORMAT: ANY FORMAT PREWRITES ARE WELCOMED IF YOU HAVE WRITTEN SOMETHING WITH THE ABOVE GUIDELINES
What I am looking for is the best poem penned on any issue surrounding AIDS in the world.
Social
Political
Inspirational
In Memoriam
Living and Surviving in a Pandemic
Affected and/or Infected with HIV/AIDS
For confidentiality reasons, people's names should be changed or withheld unless you strictly have their permission to publish their trials and tribulations using their real identity.
BASE POINT DISTRIBUTION 800 1ST 300 2ND 200 3RD 5 HONORIA Mentions at 40 points 5 MONTREAL STANDING OVATIONS HONORARY MENTIONS at 20 points Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on September 9, 2004
- Rewards: Gold: 800
- Final notes:
Entries [17]
1 - 17 of 17
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Grasping at broken shards of what was once a plan
Shattered by the realization that you're gone• Commented on by judge. -
the light falls on his face
as he leans in to take the kiss• Commented on by judge. -
A night of forbidden romance, and suddenly she was terminally ill
Sitting at home, curled up on the couch, she cried until she was limp with no more tearsby help unwanted 49 lines, 8 comments, on Aug 16 11:00 AM 2004. In Sad• Commented on by judge. -
a screaming choas
of HIV and AIDs.by SparklingOutcast 38 lines, 6 comments, on Aug 16 4:29 PM 2004. In Hope• Commented on by judge. -
• Commented on by judge.
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Summer Pond
I walked the edge of summer pond• Commented on by judge. -
AIDS and suicide are society's disease
I'm wishing you were still near• Commented on by judge. -
this it a poem about HIV, and how it makes prisoners out of those who suffer from it.by NeferMaatNetjer 34 lines, 4 comments, on Aug 17 3:07 PM 2004. In Contemporary• Commented on by judge.
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• Commented on by judge.
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She took the lank-legged child by the hand
Smothered under protective swathes of fat,• Commented on by judge. -
My blood boils with pain,
My heart is torn apart.by Lady Silver Dragon 63 lines, 1 comment, on Aug 29 1:39 PM 2004. In Society• Commented on by judge. -
I am just a girl now of age 19,
I am living with HIV, got it when i was just 16.• Commented on by judge. -
To hate each other for our differences
makes life on this earth a living hell.• Commented on by judge. -
Milly and Billy saw it• Commented on by judge.
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I am tired
Serenity.by masked angel 17 lines, 1 comment, on Aug 31 7:04 PM 2004. In Contemporary• Commented on by judge.
Bronze trophy winner
Add a comment
Comments
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wow...brilliant idea...i stand behind a thosand percent.. i just doubt my poor writing skills would do justice to those lost to AID...but i will try to come up with something, because well this contest deserves a thousand entries (or however many you want...good luck and keep writing
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I am in Peace Chain
I donated 100 points 
I dont know what they are going towards though.. I donated some to Peace Chain, it might have gone into the points for this contest.. I might enter this contest hope you get a bunch of Great entries
pinkwhite xxx -
Great idea for a contest, may you have many outstanding entries, ~richard
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wow...this sounds like a great contest. though, unfortunately, i doubt my ability to write a good piece for it. my work sucks when i force it, so i'll just say good luck. i'll try to remember to check back and read some enteries. best of luck!
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i really plan on entering this contest but i am doubting my abilities to give this contest true justice
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Great idea.
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man, I'll really try for this one... it seems like something great thats past due... anyways i'll try, its kinda a hard subject for me though, who knows though, could be good, could be what ive needed all along
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Hi hfloh: If you need ideas or help with ideas I highly suggest you check out some of my poetry in my HIV/AIDS Collection where you will find the link on the contest page or just click on my name and the collection appears on my front page. Good luck to you and thanks for responding and commenting. Gregg
Edited on Aug 16, 12:33 because ''. -
Shouldn't you state what time your time is? This is a good idea here. I think more should be taught in schools about this disease and other STD's and let young people know how brutal it is, before letting them grow up and possibly make some mistakes that can lead to unprotected sex and possibly disease. I know I didn't learn anything until I was in the 12th grade, 17 years old and by that time I had already had sex quite a bit. Basically what i am saying is that there is a huge lack of information. People either don't care to inform others or they are afraid of informing them. I'm not sure, but I commend you for working so hard to change that. And you don't complain either. I look at all these kids (i say kids because its usually teenagers doing this) complaining about having such hard lives because their boyfriend/girlfriend broke up with them, or their parents made them clean their room adn they want to cut themselves and die, when really they have no idea what it is like to live with an illness. They can't fathom what it would be like.
hugs I hope you get tons of fabulous entries. If I start feeling better I might see what I can come up with.
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I think it's a good idea to run contests on this topic, as it gets people thinking about the issue, which is one we should never forget. Good on you for that.
I remember, in the very early 80s, the news that was surfacing about the strange new disease which at the time was apparently affecting mostly gay men and Haitians. (Haitians!) It was yet to gain a name, and the cause yet to be discovered. "Apparently sexually transmitted" was all we had to go on - terrifying, really. And then, as we learned more, a diagnosis was believed to be a death sentence. You are living proof that is not the case, and a beacon of hope for others.
I, too, hope you get lots of great entries. -
I'm very glad you are running this contest. It was a wonderful idea. It is grerat that you are getting a message out and forcing people to think about what is going on in the world arould them. I hope you get a lot of wonderfully written poems, both in writing stlye and passion.
Good luck with the contest!!
-Katy -
I think AIDS is an extremely important topic that deserves as much coverage as possible, from as may people as possible and from every walk of life; from the well read to the poorly educated - however you seem to have gone to great pains to point out that spelling and grammar are more important than the topic – Consequently it would appear that you only require the views of well-read individuals. As my spelling and grammar cannot possible come up to the stringent requirements you have set, I am obliged to give the contest a miss – but wish you every success with your competition – Albert
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Since I have been on this site I notice a lot of young ones read and write here. I do hope they read and let the knowledge seep deep into there growing mind.Sometimes people think "It will never happen to me. I only did it once."
It only takes once and then you have the deadly disease. Maybe someone will write about others ways of getting the disease.
Dirty needles, blood transfusions,from cuts(blood on an open wound, just to name a few.
Best of luck on this one.
Hugs BonBon -
I think AIDS is an extremely important topic that deserves as much coverage as possible, from as may people as possible and from every walk of life; from the well read to the poorly educated - however you seem to have gone to great pains to point out that spelling and grammar are more important than the topic – Consequently it would appear that you only require the views of well-read individuals. As my spelling and grammar cannot possible come up to the stringent requirements you have set, I am obliged to give the contest a miss – but wish you every success with your competition – Albert
Given there is a line break between the description of the contest and given the fact that these rules below the line break are my regular rules that I run in EVERY one of my contests, Albert I think you are really going overboard by picking up on a minor detail instead of using your brain in composing a poem and placing it in a spell-check program to protect yourself against spelling errors. Anyone who has a computer and is on, knows that there are free programs to check grammar and spelling and you are picking up a regular feature that runs on my contest pages in order to see how I would react. So maybe it is a pleasure that your small mind cannot think of anything to write but a bitch on my contest page and saving us all a headache with your narrowmindness.
Gregg
Edited on Aug 16, 1:39 p.m. because ''. -
This seems like a great contest, and you are oepening peoples eyes about AIDs and HIV, This is a horrible diesase to live with, I have seen many sick people from it, I hope you get a lot of entries, and I hope you opened peoples eyes like you did me!
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anything that gets the message out there is 'good' [ not the word i wanted but i hope you know what i mean] news... i would love to enter if i could do it justice i will... a good friend of mine died from AIDS... i still miss him
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Excellent Idea!
Dear Gregg,
Though we have never formally been introduced, we are both in Peace Chain, I wanted to wish you luck, and courage with this contest. You hopefully will educate some and if you can reach out to just one person at least, then this has done it's job, right? Awareness is the fight of ignorance. Or so I believe. My brother was born during the period of tainted blood ( July 24, 1979) and had to recieve blood transfusions. I remember watching my parents go through a fear that seemed to paralyse them when they were getting him tested for HIV. He didn't have it, but he did have Epilepsy. A lot of people also aren't aware that Hepatitis-C is running rapid due to the same failure of untested blood(actually there wasn't a failure, just HIV,Hep-C didn't exist, they weren't aware of it, nor did the test for it until 89)in the 80'S. That virus can cause, in some patients, fibrosis, which means scarring of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis and maybe liver failure or development of cancer. Millions are actually still unaware that they may have it,(one in five may carry it) until one day fatigued they go to the doctor, wa la he runs a test. I will check in and read your entries in the contest, and I am praying that this helps educate someone, somebody. Take Care and Be Safe, Catressa
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Hi Gregg – please understand that in no way was I being small minded – in fact it is quite the contrary. .
You state that no grammar error will be tolerated and will be disqualified – Improper use of the apostrophe or neglect to use the apostrophe will also get automatic disqualification –
Of course I use spell checks on every poem that I write, but they are next to useless on grammar !!
Any member of AllPoetry can confirm that even APs spell check doesn’t accept the apostrophe at all – I wish it did – Albert.
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Albert:
I also state:
If there are any spelling errors (and I don’t mean by using figurative language and slang, I know the difference) or grammatical errors (like improper spacing or no spacing between words where they should be, punctuation – when needed, or improper use of the apostrophe or neglect to use the apostrophe) then I will automatically disqualify you.)
and
I AM GOING TO BE GIVING EVERYONE A CHANCE HERE
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING!!!
Call upon your resources of friends to come and read your work!
So why don't you write these in your comments also inside of editing my page to suit an argument that has long since been lost when you first commented on this contest.
Gregg
PS: WORD Program has a built in software for spellcheck of documents that you could also use because I am sure that you just don't have them recorded here at allpoetry.com.
Edited on Aug 16, 3:04 p.m. because ''. -
good
im not goign to enter this contest, cause im a bit to bissy right now to make a poem i think would be good enouph, but i wanted to say thsi this contest idea is very cool. keep up teh godo work and great idea! I'll have to check out some of the entries at least.
Bowie of the knfie and spear. -
I think the tracing in USA back to homosexuality is mostly a fear based thing... Don't get me wrong, yes there are a LOT of cases honestly linked... Unfortunately, even though there are as many drug linked cases, fears go back to a deviation from the norm. I don't want to seem picky, I just don't like the homo-aids relation that soooo many people put out there.
You are apparently a strong person, and it is great to see you be honest about this, and to hold a contest about it as well! May peace and blessings be yours! -
To trace the AIDS pandemic through back to the homosexuality community in Canada and the US is not a farce, Award-winning Randy Shiltz documented it very well and with research in his book And the Band Played On and came up with Patient Zero, an airline steward from Québec. Although the papers and public were furious over these allegations, amongst them, myself because I not only belong to the gay community but am also from Québec, data released to the media and substantial documentation proved that Mr. Shiltz was correct in his documentation that the AIDS pandemic did originate in the gay community back in the early 1980s when the epidemic broke out in our Western civilization, and which commonly became known as GRID -- Gay Related Infectious Disease. Scientists and other professionals are now examining records to see if there is any earlier documentation of the origin of this pandemic before 1980s through another source. Gregg
Edited on Aug 16, 5:21 p.m. because ''. -
Well, the people I know don't go ostracizing and discriminating people just because they have HIV or AIDS, but since I tend to yell and chuck small objects at people who get all discriminatory and hateful for stupid reasons, the people who do hate people with HIV or AIDS might just not go near me...
~C~ -
Gregg, I am so glad to see you holding this contest and that Peace Chain is sponsoring it.I will definitely give it a shot, I will just need to make a few rough copies on scrappaper first ,as I believe this is one of the most important contests ever held as far as social values go. I do hope you get alot of great entries , but most of all I hope not to see any arguments back and forth as the one already started in the comments. It really does take away from the initial fire and flame that one might have to get started. I strongly believe on a topic like this ,let us show that we are beyond picking each other apart,and I for one must say....english is not my native language, even though I do think I speak and write it pretty well. I am from Europe. But even using spellcheck etc,and especially the apostrophe can give me even more of a headache than just proofreading and keeping my fingers crossed that everything is spelled correctly. You must admit that there are so many words that sound alike , yet mean something completely different. And as far as asking friends.....you have got to be kidding,it seems to me that grammar never is a priority in any school here in the US. As a matter of fact , I know of one school that gives out essays(I helped the teacher grade them) Bottom line....grammar could be ignored...it was the essay itself that got the grade
Reenie
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*bows*
this is an excellent contest idea. whether or not i come up with an entry, i will be watching to see what others have to say.
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I do not mean any offense. I did not mean to apply a meaning to my post which indicated 'farce'... I only meant to indicate my view of it. I've had so many friends hated because of being gay and blamed for starting it. I don't deny that there is truth in it. I just do not like seeing much of statements that say gays started it... it's just a thing of mine. Never would I offend anyone by saying that hard worked research is a farce. Just seeing so many ostracized and denied because they are gay and hated for 'bringing it over here'... It gets to me rather easily.
Let it be known, that I hardly intended for any argument to be started here or anywhere else!! There is a fire in this contest that cannot be taken away because of a few words of mine. This contest is a very much needed contest. It will help show a support and understanding of the disease that not many people I personally know actually hold. -
Hoping everyone the best physically and poetically,
Buki
I believe in the fight and the wish to get it right
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hi,
My name is Lisa and this contest of yours inspired me. I have no experiences with HIV/AIDS except for going to many of the walks and donating alot to hopfully finding a cure. But when i read this It made me want to do somthing more about it and most importantly, write. I applaud you for doing this and count on my entry soon. It probably won't be as effective as most others becuase, like i said I have no experience, but it will be the best I can do. Thanks.
Lisa
Edited on Aug 16, 6:06 p.m. because ''. -
Dragon-sky: I think it is I who should apologize--as host of this contest, I get to elaborate on statements made to help clear up myths and misconceptions because of my background and grass-roots activism that I have achieved in this field as well as the education that I have studied. I am not out to offend, argue, or downgrade anyone in this contest, but just elaborate on points to give them more detail and understanding behind them. And I am not going to get dissect every word for its connotations although I did not say gays started it my exact wording was traced back to the homosexual community which there is a difference in definition.
And I share your anger every time the gay community is referred to as Ground Zero in America for the pandemic and we can really thank the mass media of tabloid journalism for that. At least in Randy Shiltz's research book, in recognizing where the virus migrated from we did learn something about this virus-the process of contact testing and the mutation of the virus in individuals. As of 1990, there were twenty different strains and three types of HIV recorded around the world--one type in Europe, one type in Africa and one main type in America with a few variations of the other two. This was progress in learning about it and its complexity while it was replicating around the world.
Gregg
Edited on Aug 16, 6:48 p.m. because ''. -
Wow, this really should be a great contest for you! I mself feel that anything I write wouldn't qualify or get anywhere in this contest seeing as its less than mediocre. I wish you best of luck in this contest, you are an inspiration to everyone.
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I am not worthy
Glad to see you back again and for also seeing you hosting this contest. I wish that I could come up with something that would be worthy. My grammer and punuation would put me out of the running first thing, most likely. I was reading a few of the comments and the thought came to mind of how it seems that education of HIV/AIDS has been put on the back burner for several years. As an ex junkie I've been taking the test for the last 5 years. I don't know as much as you do about it, but I have educated myself enough to know it is not the "gay diease".I admire you so much for the stand you have taken to make ppl more aware, and for the way you face what you have to with such grace and diginity. Although we have only exchanged a few IM's thru AP you have stolen my heart with your courage. Sometimes when I'm pissin' and moaning about something that is wrong with my health I think of you and that courage. You have made me a better person, and I thank you for that.
Jacki
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Wow! I have to say that this is a great contest and I hope that you get many great poems... I couldn't write something good enough to be entered because I don't know anyone with HIV or AIDs... So it would be very hard for me to write about it... I think that this is a great contest and I wish everyone luck!
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good
Wow, good cause for a contest, kinda harsh rules, but I TOTALLY understand, quality is the key hear. I will post something later, I don't want to rush myself. Cheers and good luck! -
I think that this is a wonderful thing that you are doing with this contest of your. My nephew die of this horrible thing he got it in the war throught a blood transfluion. so to me this is duch a very nice thing ro you to do. i really thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
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Well I was actualy all excited thinking now here is something I would love to write for, something worthy however I know and so does everyone else that reads my work that I just right out suck at spelling and even with spell check it does not catch things like there, thier, here, hear,its, it's and the list goes on if you know what I mean lol so I shall not attempt this one lol
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What a great contest--I will definitely try to get something in if I'm able. Best of luck with the judging!
your cerulean dreamer,
michele -
If you want to enter, you could post one, and I'd be glad to proofread it before you submit it to the contest.
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Fight AIDS not people with AIDS..
It couldn't have been better said any better than that..
I just came to read a few and would like to say...
For those who may think it could never be you or someone you know...
You're so wrong
much love & peace
~Pamela -
it is so good to see this medium used for education and information...what a wonderful contest, i want to write something a little later when i think more about what i need to say.
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I see it is going well Gregg I am sure by the end of it you will have some wonderful entries. Good Luck
Edited on Aug 17, 8:22 because ''. -
The turn out for this seems to be overwhelming in responses. I hope you see a lot more enteries by the end of this contest. I am thinking of what to write myself. I am not intimidated by the spelling, grammar and punctuation, but I am intimidated by the subject. I had a friend that died of AIDS and I am not certain if I can do him justice because he lived in silence.
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Good luck on this one Gregg, it's already looking promising.
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Wow, this contest was a great idea! I wish that I could enter, but I don't know if I'll be able to think of anything to write. I hope that you get a lot of enteries.
~Katie~ -
Oh, this is a very important contest. Too many people hold this completely negative view of AIDS, believe me, I know. I work with AIDS Niagara through my university in Ontario, and I've seen so many people who hold the view that it is the "Gay disease" and such. I applaud you for your courage in living with HIV, and for creating this contest. I hope you get a lot of entries... expect one from me soon enough.
Also, where did you get the bar that says "Fight AIDS, not people with AIDS"? I'd love to save it to my database and use it on my blog.
Dancing in the silver shadows
Arien Silverleaf -
I'm not sure if I know enough to write a good poem for the contest, but I love the idea Good contest idea
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Wonderful contest - and it deals with something very real, and very sad... I hope you get lots of great entries. Best of luck judging!
-morgana
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consider me in.
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I wont enter this contest, for the obvious reasons, but I will add my opinion.
HIV/AIDS
This is a terrible illness and one I belive should be supported in the sense we should support research to find a cure, or better medications for those who are living with HIV.
Back in the 70-80's they did not test blood donations for this virus, so some people did contract it by recieving blood. But these days, it is just outragious how irresponsible people are when it comes to protecting our bodies. How hard is it to have protected sex? Safer sex is the way sex should be had. Why dont we educate our children instead of shielding them from something that could kill them, wouldnt we rather they protect themselves.. if they dont know what can hurt them, they cant protect themselves.
Now - as for those who have contracted this virus through un protected sex, I can not say, that in my heart, I dont feel sorry for them. But I do think they must take responsibility for their actions, and for someone not to, or to not have to I think is making the next generation less willing to take control.
HIV, is something we can control, we can stop the spreading of this virus by knowing how to protect ourselves. Sexual educations people, that is the key.
Having sex without a condom is like asking to contract a STD. (unless you are married and in a committed relationship) Even then, you should be tested.
You should be tested and have your partner tested before you ever have sex with them. You should talk to your partner about using protection and if they use the lame ass excuse "it doesnt feel as good" well.. doesnt protected sex feel better than NO sex at all? I would never put my body in a situation I was not in full control over and we do have control over who we have sex with. Talk about the past, communicate with your partner if you arent mature enough to think it through and take the proper steps to keep your body safe you shouldnt be having sex, period.
As for those who contract the virus through shared needles, that one kind of speaks for itself, they are issuing their own death warrant. I am sorry, but you can not expect for me to feel sorry for someone who is for one doing drugs and on top of that, sharing needles. GET WITH THE PROGRAM people.
I do believe that we should fight HIV/Aids and not people with AIDS, but we all must do our part to protect ourselves and someone who contracts this virus by being irresponsible, can not expect my pity.
It makes me sad that so many people, dont take care of their bodies. You're body is your temple, the only body you will ever have, treat it as though it were the single most important thing in your life.
Criss
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Wow. This sounds like it's going to be an amazing contest. It's great to get the word out and the stigma down.
~Bezoar -
excellent idea...this will be such a moving contest.
if something comes to me, i'll enter it...and if not i'll read the entries
good job.
make waves,
-chat -
this is a good/unique idea for a contest... from the looks of it you have a lot of poems already... have fun!
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yay
Oh yeah.
Awesome idea for a contest! This is one of the most important things our society has had to face in quite a while. It's crucial that we keep citizens and the youth, as well as other countries educated about HIV/AIDS. We need a government that supports all types of free and accessable testing, and one that acknowledges the importance of sexual education and prevention. Unfortunately, in the US, we have one that ignores our right to learn and understand our bodies, our body's rights, and the right to testing. I'm not sure about Canada or the rest, but I know that Canada's healthcare plans seem to be very accomodating to it's citizens, no?
Oh well. I ramble.
Anyway, awesome idea. Good luck with this!
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I wish you the best in this contest, dear friend. You've articulately expressed your passionate drive in its advocacy; your credits are to be admired
I think the only thing I would have liked to see here is that you also include the spiritual end of it. for God loves anyone who seeks Him wholeheartedly. We are one step into Eternity. By all historical/biblical studies, we are on the brink of the fruition of what the world has done so far.
Very simply put, and with your research in expertise, we know that the historical and physical prognosis is none other than future abstinence. This allows us to perform the original intent of erroneous relationships outside of his first command-the God of all (Genesis) and will present the mercy of His reversal of consequences.
You've got a wonderful idea here. Thank you for sharing!
Edited on Aug 18 because ''. -
I would love to enter this contest, but alas I am not a poet I wonder if you'd allow short stories...but probably not. Anyways, interesting contest, thanks for creating it!
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This is a great idea for a contest. I agree with your grammatical disqualifier, though I personally wouldn't make a single grammatical mistake a disqualification, unless it really is a mistake that was made. The fun of poetry is that sometimes you can really make your point by breaking the rules of grammar, and it can look great if it's done on purpose and done well. But if the rules of grammar are broken out of laziness, it tends to make the poem much less readable and interesting.
I'd like to enter this contest but I'm not sure if I will. I don't know if I can do it justice. But it's a topic that really does need more publicity. And I agree with your banner, fight AIDS, not people with AIDS. -
blkmagicwoman: Well, I guess I did write ANY FORMAT, even though in a few places I just mention poem, but how would we define ANY FORMAT? Gregg
Edited on Aug 18, 6:25 because ''. -
Ohhh sorry didn't realise it was a contest promotion.. not a good idea to waste your points featuring this all the time Gregg.. but anyways.. I'll comment anyways so as to not waste your points or mine
Good luck with this. looks like you're doing well so far
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That's a really cool idea to get more people to check this out and enter, really cool idea. Great idea. My name's Vince...REALLY awesome.
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Awesome idea for a contest! I am glad someone came up with it!
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Great idea for a contest- something that genuine poetry should be about; an issue that affects all of society. I've entered with something I've noticed - that some people 'protect' themselves by ignoring the issue (and, even worse, think they 'protect' others by doing the same). Thanks for a thoughtful contest and I hope you enjoy the poems people create for it.
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gregg, i have it in my head i will just have to wait until tonight to put it to screen...
huggles. -
Good idea for a contest Gregg. Looks like you caught a lot of peoples attention. Good luck judging this hun.
*~Bindy~* -
I wish I could join into this but I really don't have any experience with a friend with HIV or AIDs... this was a wonderful idea though! Have fun!!
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Man, you've got so many entries already. I think this contest is great. I love contests where they actually have a good subject-matter/substance to them. This one is something that can incourage people, help people, aide people, and so on... Good luck with this contest, you always seem to get a lot of entries for your contests
-Abby Eyeball- -
Hey- I have an important column up on Breast Cancer Awareness, I was wondering if you could please have the members of your group peacelink read it? allpoetry.com/poem/782937 is the url, many thanks
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I SEE YOUR CONTEST IS GOING WELL!!!
Bravo!
May your health always be good and your spirit high!!
Criss <3 -
Oh, sorry, I didn't realize this was a contest. It seems like a good contest though, very worthy cause. My step brother died from AIDS. Back in the late 80's. My family swears it's something else, but I know and so do they.
I hope your contest goes well and you all make the sort of impact you wish to! Good luck to all who enter!
~*Destiny*~ -
I think this is a wonderful isea for a contest. I'd like to write about a friend of mine, if I can just get onto paper what I feel. Will certainly try to enter.
Dee
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Alas, I have entered this contest -- as an HIV educator, I believe I have a uniqe perspective on the entire issue. I will, however, warn you -- that I am the queen of overpunctuation -- and. . . I do it, in the wrong spots -- because it makes me feel comfortable, and gives character to my poem -- I only use it when feel something need be emphasized, but, in this poem, that occurred quite frequently. Good luck judging.
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This is such a wonderful contest. I dont think i will have time to come up with something, but I want to wish everyone the best in this contest.
Tammy
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Sorry I didn't see this one. A very dear friend of mine died of HIV disease just a month ago, yesterday (July 31, 2004). Her name was Shannon Moore, she was 29 years old. I still mourn. I am glad you have so many entries. Blessings to you and the judging of this contest will surly be a task. All the best to each entrant.
Denise
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Congratulations to every winner and also to everyone who took the time to enter such a contest on such an important issue .The more educated we become about it , the better our chances at learning about it and it's prevention etc , but most of all i hope we will stop liiking at those people that carry this disease as dirty <------that is my biggest wis
Reenie
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Congratulations to all the winners, they were all wonderful entries I think it is a wonderful idea what you propose to do Gregg. Love to you~Joan
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Thanks for the MSO and for running such a class comp. This is such an horrendous plague. It is a terrorism that has no face and no owners. It simply moves among us like a grim reaper. If countries, companies and agencies could be as unified against this as seeking a very expensive military solution in other areas of concern there might be some real progress.
Thank you to all those who commented. Best of luck with your AIDS awareness campaign and well done to the trophy winners, they were good pieces and well deserved. Again, thank you for running this comp- as opposed to those comps that are a little more trivial, these issues should be broadcast without fear nor favour so long as the message gets out and pieces like these are aired.
Thanks again Gregg
Edited on Sep 09, 7:30 p.m. because ''. -
This is such an amazing contest idea.. the world needs more awesome people like you ^_^
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I like the chapbook idea. If I think of any other poems or even short stories that would fit, I'll let ya know.
Congratulations to all, for addressing this issue is enough proof of your hearts to show you are winners! -
First of all I must apologise for not being around, I am doing a lot of apologising lately, life seems to have caught up with me.
I am so glad this contest was such a success Gregg, congrats to you and to all those who participated, for me writing a good poem is as good as winning a trophy.
All the poems submitted to the Peacechain contests or the Peacechain sponsored contests will ultimately be posted on the site of course with permission from the poets. I have started working seriously on the site again as of today. Right now I am working on the section 'Rising above' it will take me some time to get it right and all the poems posted. Though the contest was held recetly some of the members had sent me poems a long while back hence the priority.
I'll post the AIDS section in a few days once I have finished with all the material I am holding so please bear with me.
NB The site is for all ages though so anything posted on it will only be something people of all ages can read.
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