all alice ever sought was love
conjured jigsaw pieced-together
questions; exact science needed to answer
unrelated, as situations may have been
irrelevance eagerly took chances, and
retribution misspelled her name repeatedly
even when hidden prospects secretly
determined her destiny
innocence flowered in quickened spurts
mocking evidence seen (unseen)
mimicking jejune persuasion
until her doused appetite
needed the whet of familiar fetishes
enigmatic orifices out rightly orphaned
determined to weave a tempting twine waylaid by words
embrace bone of physical affection
for to fill the smelly cavity of apathy
is a force powerfully carved from hollowed heart
craving to be recollected, reserved
in jars of elderberry preserves
eating intensity, ease of taste on tongue
nurtured from sugary ferment on grandma’s polished shelves
captured in the essence of a most fruitful harvest
yester-year jotting quiet ink stains on vision's dream
sexualizing; a pastime used to manipulate
youthful tongue experiences maturity before its time
never without spontaneity, and compulsion
distinguished by measures of light
readily ascending from places beyond dimension
over blazing magenta horizons and
melodic, heavenly chipped cobblestones that heal
every ailment with lofty reach, stretched smile, and a hearty sigh
Author notes
In 1984, on my 30th birthday, I received a letter in the mail that stated a unit of blood that had been transfused to me during childbirth, (Ryan, 11/30/83) may have been contaminated with HIV/AIDS. I remained in denial for six months or so, and finally decided to be tested the Summer of '85. At that time there was a three-five year dormancy of some type, I don't remember... I was tested every six months thereafter for almost three years. All test results always came back negative. I was one of the fortunate ones. Many that I met at performances, fund-raising events, group therapy, the theatre...have long since passed on.
I am a member of The Greater Cleveland AIDS Task Force, and I make an effort to perform in a fund-raiser, pro bono, at least once a year.
Form - Acfrostic
A contest entry
- International World AIDS Day 2008 by lordoftherings.
9000 points, ended January 24, 15 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - HIV/AIDS Stigma - The real killer? by Still Standing.
2100 points, ended February 3, 17 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - HIV/AIDS: It doesn’t degrade a person by Klayer.
400 points, ended March 2, 13 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
critical comments please. THANKS!
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
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wonderfully written.
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You always seem to touch my heart. Your poem is very beautiful and so are you. I love not only your poem, but the story you told in your author note as well. You are apart of an amzing group of people, who does wonders for so many. Thank you and please keep up the good work. You surely are a blessing
Loveandblessings2u & yours always
Joyce
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Excellent
Wow, this is truly amazing. So very well expressed and so detailed. Many blessings in the contest.
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awe-struck
I'm in awe. I have to be honest I LOVE acrostics but imagery is something I am working on writing and understanding. But this packed a punch for me. This line especially: even when hidden prospects secretlydetermined her destiny
That was the kicker especially after reading your AN. I admit I had to read it three times to get all of it in and will most likely have to read it a few more times :-). Thank u so much for submitting this write. Wow what a contest. Good luck! -
Renee:
Of course, yours is the last to savour.
In defining immunodeficiency in your acrostic I love the approach you took on. For me it feels like the words are metaphorically the body and they are attacking like the HIV does in the bloodstream. Some very strong diction used to bring this forefront.
This is so tight, I find that there is not one word that does not serve soem purpose in the poem. Another technique of course, renee, you do not need me to explain all this to you, it's more for the readers who check what the hosts has to say, (LOL) is your enjambment. I jst wnet from one line to the next wiothout the pause until you required me to with your punctuation. I love poets who can do this.
You also know that along with getsbetter you two would be up there in the top three so I must thank you for this contribution and your humbleness in letting the trophy go to another, perhaps, unfamiliar poet.
Gregg
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God bless you, sis. Spread that word like Parkay (only in your style): "It's butta baby." Loved the write. Keep on keeping on. Hmmm... didn't know two of my offices does research in these things did you? Yep.
Luv ya.
Dez
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WOW!
Amazing, poignant,powerful, gritty..real.
I absolutely love this piece, what strength you display my friend I am so impressed by both your courage and your outstanding piece of art. BRAVO!!
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Life does hand us some tedious things
how we work around them is a miracle in it's self. God Bless you dear friend and keep you safe for a long, long, long time...mac
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Very clever work. The message contained within is strongly stated and your writing skills are obvious to all. Bravo!
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This is a brilliant piece of art dear friend. EXCELLENT. What more can I say. But that I admire you so much.
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Wow.
Wow love. I am sitting here, reading this about you and the first thought that springs to my mind is how someone's lust can punish an innocent person.
Your words weaved an intricate tale of love, lust and the way in which it can carry us away.
Your author's notes brought it clearly back to reality.
This is brilliant, and eye opening and I have not one critical word.
Shari
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