I saw death stand before me, many times
I heard it loud and clear
knock on doors.
I saw life become breathless
and the echo of silence became no more,
cries scream out and hearts are torn.
and I cried,
for all those, who shed no tears
of their own...
Many think they know the facts
when in reality,
they know nothing, at all.
They walk around blinded, with eyes wide open,
refuse to hear the cries
won't lend a hand, too scared to touch.
Would never, bring themselves to
drink from your cup.
I will never understand why people hate, people
just because of a disease.
Where is the love???
Help, teach, give a hug, heal a broken heart,
it won't kill you.
You just may help to comfort
a life of someone, who has no one.
Many choose to run away, instead of wiping
away a tear.
I have seen a healthy spirit
within no time at all,
turn into bones.
Many have no clue how it feels
to hold a hand that no one else will touch.
Yet I do daily, what most would never do.
I sit and touch, and I listen, and I feel,
I cry with and even laugh with
a life of a beautiful soul,
infected by a nasty disease.
I cry
for all those, who shed no tears
of their own...
Author notes
This maybe the most powerful piece I have ever written.
But it is apart of my life, it is apart of what I do everyday of my life.
I simply care. I wrote about how I feel from deep within my heart,
I am sorry if you don't agree with me, but difference are what makes
you, you and me, me. In many ways my life is in danger every day at
work, because of the close contact that I have with patients that
are infected with Aids/Hiv, yet I keep going back to work, to hold
another hand. And I'll never stop, and one day that hand I hold
just might be yours.
A contest entry
- HIV/AIDS Stigma - The real killer? by Still Standing.
2100 points, ended February 3, 17 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 37 of 37
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I agree, this is such a touching piece you have written here. I couldn't agree 100%. It's sad to see.. the abuse of humans these days. A helping hand could change the world. Well done on this and thanks for entering.
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Very good. So very touching. It is hard for most to get over the fact that they are going to get infected. Some people can do what you do with no hesitation and I applaud you for it. Great work, you are a hero. This poem has received a 12 as well. Great work. You have a total of 24 points. Thanks for entering and best of luck to you. Kahy
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Outstanding
This is a Gold Winner Poem for sure...
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You can't get AIDs from just holding someone's hand. It sounds so silly. People are afraid. Even now, after all this knowledge, people are afraid.
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What a truly profound and very deep piece, honey
I work in a nursing facility and every day, I see everything you can possibly imagine and then some so I can fully relate
Your piece is quite moving and very well done...I, too, cry tears for those who cannot cry and my heart is touched every day...
May God bless you and keep you and those who desperately need a healing touch
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Love,I'm pretty sure you love your work but take precautions so you can't contract the virus.Yours is a great work,great contribution to society and great sacrifice that surpases all the moneys you may be paid for working.So touching.My heart goes along with your work.Keep looking forward to seeing another patient.Over 75% of world population fall in sub-health group.So they need you more than ever.Great expression of your thoughts!
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Gripping!That is so true, you are right, It is sad that some can not see. It is also very nice that you have compassion. This made me cry
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This is wonderful and brought tears to my eyes. Its truly stunning how much emotion runs through out your poem. I love how you're reaching out to those who are losing the strength to do it themselves. Please keep up the outstanding work in both the poem and your life.
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Very thought provoking
Honestly? OK, this is chocked full of emotion and compassion, and it is a very good message concerning the fear and hatred toward people who have HIV, It is a beautiful thing to be there for your patients and their families in their time of need. It is, from a Christian standpoint easy, because you have God's Word to stand on, that no plague shall come nigh your dwellling. But for people who don't have His word, and they walk in darkness and fear, well, they will run away for fear, because they dont see the love of God, they only see what is in front of them. The best way to deal with a situation like this is exactlly what you are doing. Letting the love of God shine through you. And believe me, Joyce, His light shines through you. But still, it is wrong for us to judge others, because they don't walk in that light, they walk in fear. That is Satan. So the best thing we can do is teach them about the sacrificial love that Jesus has for us, that He gave His life for us. And then maybe, one by one, we can help to change things like this. Anyway, my opinion is this is a very compassionate and thought provoking write, and, yet, another fine example of why I am so proud to call you my friend. Blessings! ~Susan
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This is one of, if not the most compassionate, meaningful, love filled poems I've ever read, Joyce. Your a beautiful and loving person. What you do everyday to help others is very comendable. Your poem is powerful, caring.
For someone who has a comunicable disease, and especially in the case of AIDS, the touch of another human, a hug, a kind word, can mean more to them than life itself.
I can understand people being so frightened of the disease when it first appeared, but now after more than twenty years of experience, of knowledge, of progress with it's hoped for cure, I just can't see why so many are still afraid of contracting it, to the point that these victims are often left to agonize alone and unloved by friends, family and society.
Your willingness and compassion, your love and understanding, your hopes and deeds are what these people need and I applaude you and what you do from your heart.
A beautiful and powerful piece and I wish you best in the contest
Bless you, Joyce
Much love,
Dee
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This is stunning, you capture such a truth in society we don't care enough and that doesn't bode well for mankind. Perfectly written and quite obviously from your heart. Best to you in the contest
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Outstanding
not only the writing, but your actions. Mine may not be as nasty as the one you describe, but it is a little bugger at times leaving me unable to move, or move well. Parkinsons... 15 years. It didn't realize I am more stubborn than it. I see the looks,... "what's wrong with him?" What they don't know is the burden I bear has become a blessing. I get to meet people like yourself who know that the magic is in serving, not "deserving" as some people seem to think. Well done - Kevin
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This is one of the most amazing pieces of poetry i have read in a long time. BRAVO! Absolutly stunning an very touching. Thank you for such a powerful read.
Keep up the great work (both in poetry and in life)
Hugz
Tristan
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You're a beautiful person and you write beautiful poetry. God bless and keep up the love. The world needs it desperately.
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Beautiful! Everyone should feel so strongly!
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it's a beautiful poem but it seems to be lacking something. the most resounding was the last line. nevertheless, it deserves a perfect score : )
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Brilliant
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sad and inspirational
god bless you and those like you who go where others dare not tread. i like the ending sentence. judge not lest ye be judged. beautiful -
If only everyone thought like you do the world would be better for it. I loved this piece. Thought it was beautiful. Great job portraying your wonderful soul to us.
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I LOVED this poem. It's beautiful, and it makes people think. You are very talented. =)
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Hi Joyce
Nice to see you are Spotlited
this is a very worthy poem from you
The words are sad, and yet compelling
My thoughts are in my other note to you
Love, Rick -
This is a very good poem.
Only poet genius William Shakespeare can live up to that.
This is a touching poem, wrote from the heart, if this is possibly the first poem of yours i've read, imagine the other poems you've got to offer.
This is a poem to be proud of,
If you're SOOO good, keep it up for a couple more years,
publish your poems, and you'll go far.
Believe me, you will.
Daisy, 11.
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Very Heart felt Joyce
It is a great piece Joyce. It touches on a subject that many darecnot address. I feel you did a great job at relaying your thoughts and feelings on this matter. Love to you "BOO"
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Your blessings will rain down dear sister. When HIV/AIDS first hit the scene in '83, I was working as a camera operator for a local talk show a gay friend of mine hosted. One of his premier shows had 3 guest stricken with the virus. The man said people would cross the street when they discovered he had the disease. His friends left him, wife...all out of fear. I cried backstage of the studio, and when the show was over, I went out and gave him the biggest hug I could muster. He cried aloud. He said that he had not been "touched" like that in almost two years. It is sad to know that almost twenty-five years have passed since then, and people are still afraid. ~Sigh
Thank you for writing this poignant, powerful work of poetry. I pray more people take the time to read this writ.
I know the Lord is saying; "well done good and faithful servant, well done."
Much Love & Many Blessings ♥
Renee
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I must say that this is one hell of a great piece of poetry. Wow this is about the best piece I have read in a long time. You are an amazing person to take care of people, who need you the most. The whole should be full of caring people like you. Girl, you make me proud to know you. MAny Blessings to you and all the others with caring hearts. This is worth more than a Gold !!!
Justgot2loveme
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Wow...this is quite different from what I'm used to reading from you, but just as powerful, if not more, than your other writes. I love that you don't seem to "name" any one disease, although AIDS did come to my mind when I read it...but there are many other diseases that, if people are not informed about them, can end up being the same way.
I know that having a support system of friends and family is important with any illness, and "touch" is not a mirracle cure, but definitely a source of deep comfort...it can ease physical AND emotional pain...something no pill wil ever have the power to do. No one should be denied something that does so much and costs so little. It is good to know at least some people have nurses like yourself to offer what their friends and family can or will not.
On technical notes...I agree with pine needles...there are several commas that might be removed, improving flow...although I would guess some are there on purpose, to sloooooow the reader down...and that's important in a poem that carries the powerful message this one does. Line breaks are a great tool to use in that reguard also...one example/suggestion for the line:
"I will never understand why people hate, people
just because of a disease."
could be:
"I will never understand
why people hate people
just because of a disease."
As always, just a suggestion, and one that certainlly isn't going to change the message one way or the other, so a tiny point at that.
I loved the repetition, and that's not something you'll hear me say often! 
It really packs a punch, just as it's mean to. Oh - and I love the border!
I imagine you have a great number of work related experiences you could put into poetry similar to this one...you did a fantastic job with this, and I'd love to see more along the same lines. Just something else to keep in mind.
Love ands
~J.
P.S. I owe you a long note...but in the meantime...I'm getting along ok...just usually too many pain meds to make much sense.
I promise I'll write soon though.
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Oh my goodness!!!
this is the most amazing piece I've read in a very long time. Sis, I am truly speechless and I absolutely LOVE this. I really want for this to be spotlighted, it is so much more deserving to be seen and heard aloud for Everyone.
Amazing, indeed, thank you so much for sharing such Passion with me and others.
Love you so much, and keep being who you are
take care,
Ephiphany
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This was definitely powerful, and dug deep into the souls of every reader. It really makes me sick how people are afraid of sick people- holding a hand or a simple hug will not kill them! Anyway, this was hard-hitting and stuffed with raw truth. Great job.
Jeanette*~ -
This poem of yours is so heartfelt and very beautiful my friend. You do everyday what most people fear and it is such a blessing to know that you do that for a living. Also, that you care enough to spend time and try to ease other people's pain no matter what they are going through. Congratulations on this lovely write my friend and good luck to you in this contest!
Jeremy0826
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Twinsy,
This is soooooo touching. This made me think of Princess Diana, and how much you, her and I do these kinds of things. It is just a part of who we are. There are others, I know that do the same type of things and it takes a special person to do that. I truly do believe that you... you are one of the most special people I have had the pleasure of knowing and loving! I think this may be the most powerful write I have seen from you. Don't ever change Twinsy... You are the greatest!
If this isn't a trophy winner, be sure to let me know, as I will give you points myself! I love this one and all that it says!
Great work on this one!
Best of luck in this contest!
and loveNyetta
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Beautiful
That's why you are my Sister, because you and I feel a lot alike. It is sad that others turn away when there is no need. Life is life and every one is equal in the eyes of our father. Sad that a disease can turn some away from others,especially when there is no harm to be done. You wear a coat of armor, made of love. It will protect you and so will I! I love you Sis, Bubba....by the way, did I say this write was BEAUTIFUL!
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i love it, and can sooooooo relate to this poem
And I cried
[now, i love this title, because it makes me think of being in these situations with family and with people who are dying and people will not cry sometimes unless you cry first, it is saying to them, you are comfortable with it, it is ok to let their guard down and grieve in front of me, with me -- you know?]
a very beautiful poem, Joyce
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You did a fantastic job with this piece. It gave me chills as I read it because I know how you feel. Aids is such a lonely disease and people just dont want to understand it at all.
I am so glad that it touched you this much for you to put into words your feelings.
Thank you so much for your entry.
Soulful Woman -
Power falls upon words of love and sadness...we leave them and try to forget them, but someone still cares...you gave them a voice and a momrnt of care...strong and true...I love the repeat
" I cried,
for all those, who shed no tears
of their own..."
Excellent work from the heart!
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wow. this is a powerful, touching piece, warm and comforting even as addressing a difficult topic. and its so awesome that you really are doing this. the last stanza was especially strong to me, along with "I seen life become breathless / and the echo of silence became no more" and the refrain
"and I cried,
for all those, who shed no tears
of their own..."
there were a few minor changes i might suggest to polish the piece a little. a few unnecessary commas (i.e. in "I seen death stand before, many" - "for all those, who shed no tears" - "they know nothing, at all." - "Would never, bring their self to drink" - "people hate, people" - "someone, who has no one." and at the end of "when in reality," "within no time at all," and "Yet I do daily, what most").
"eyes wild open" - did you mean "wide open?"
"Would never, bring their self to drink" - "bring themselves" (?)
also, what do you think of switching the order of the fifth and last stanzas? i think that creates a powerful sequence where after speaking of your personal commitment to people with hiv with an invitation to others to follow your example. (if you did choose to do this, you might also consider moving the "Many choose to run away..." part to before "Where is the love??") just a few thoughts.
in any case, awesome poem.
"Help, teach, give a hug, heal a broken heart,
believe me, it won't kill you.
But in return you just may help to comfort
a life of someone, who has no one."
amen.
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Excellent
Many have no clue how it feels
to hold a hand that no one else will touch.
Yet I do daily, what most would never do.
I sit and touch, and I listen, and I feel,
I cry with and even laugh with
a life of a beautiful soul,
I am reminded that Christ healed the lepers
with his touch
The words revieled sound like you Joyce
it is just the way you are
I am sure there are mixed feelings in the medical community.
So sad the famlies react from fear
They are blessed to have you as their nurse
your heart is amazing
more than the verse or words
Love Rick
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Extremely powerful
Wow I have to tell you this is awesome. I am so proud that the most powerful piece to come out of you was for this contest. I personally enjoyed reading it. Thank you for entering and good luck!!
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