One candle,
flickering thin,
wavering.
Rain coursing
down the streets
to drip into gutters,
muddy and full of debris.
One dress of black,
hanging ageless in the closet,
black veil,
no-run mascara.
At the funeral,
red ribbons,
burning candles.
Tears.
Three letters.
Four letters.
Fear.
But love
and hope
rush through veins
bursting hearts.
Twenty-six years
HIV.
Sixteen years
AIDS.
Life -
a nightmare.
But brave
fighting to survive.
Find someone to love
who'll stand by your side
through all the pain.
And you'll
comfort them
as well.
Keep your spirit
thriving.
Love.
Rain falling,
hope failing,
candle wavering,
extinguished.
Author notes
Today is World AIDS day. This poem is written about a man I know who has suffered from AIDS for sixteen years. I hope we can someday find a cure. I know this did not even begin to capture this, but it's almost a start, I hope.
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