Gay was unattractive
even before the scourge
(that was earned through
their disrespect of God,
so "they" all say.)
So many friends waning into dust,
particles of what they were,
rattled cages and moans unheard.
Churches full of the dull eyes
and pale skin of disease,
hands shaking, heads bowed
hoping for a miracle
that would never come in time
to save them.
Parents who had disowned sons,
blanched to see them now,
on the frosty edge of death
on the teeter-totter of life,
fragile like the child they had loved
before his confession.
Fed through a tube
barely able to breathe,
unable to speak,
brain stems under attack
by the evil inside,
all they could do is cry
or move a finger
or blink an eye.
Their friends paid for their funerals,
their family stood at the back,
afraid to touch,
too ashamed to come forward.
Somewhere in them they understood
that they had failed
the one who had loved them.
Faces of anguish walk the city
waiting for when it's their turn,
wondering why they are being punished
for just wanting to be loved.
Author notes
There is a very active gay community in St. Louis. I lived near St. Louis and knew a number of men who died from AIDS. They were all such kind souls. It was hard to watch.
A contest entry
- Will I Lose My Dignity (Will Someone Care?) by Ephemeral Twilight.
2000 points, ended May 14, 11 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
-
You really reached out and grabbed my heart and soul with this piece. You captured the feelings that so many have because of this disease. Fear keeps them away from those that really need to feel loved.
A beautiful piece of writing.
Congratulations on the Silver.
Noreen
-
I almost started crying but since I am in class, I had to refrain from doing so. I do love this one. It's powerful, beautiful. The intensity your words send shudders through my body. It has a wonderful flow and the rythym is wonderful. Thank you very much for entering.
-
-
Both
I have seen this up close. One of my son's dear friends died like this, and he called me mom. His own mother should be ashamed of her betrayal of him, especially once she knew his death was imminent.
There were others who also died from AIDS but this was the worst case I saw.
Thanks for the caring feedback. ~ Joyce
-
-
amazing how much shame is put on those that carry all the fun and color of the personality of us all.
good metaphor and flow, although sad in it throughout.
hang in there, today's world is coming around.
Tamara
Adding your comment:
