The toll this curse, this disease has taken on our young and old
Is horrendous at best malignant devastatingly bold
My heart cries out that no cure yet can be claimed
Just like cancer, it destroys lives, hurts, and maims
I remember in the beginning when little of it we first knew
People were so ignorant that they turned away from you
Thought they could catch it like a cold if you sneezed
Like you were going around by touch spreading this disease
I remember the hurt that my friend experienced; amazing how people think
When visiting someone close they threw out the cup from which he did drink
Good Lord help him if he had chance to eat a whole meal
They would have broken all their dishes, I swear this is real
It’s not just Aids that ignorance among people occurs
Many afflictions and diseases are out there that are obscured
In 1994 a church member gave my sister a paper cup for the same reason
She was dying of cancer and the *&) ^%# thought it was contagious, believe it
In every walk of life you will find people that are living in the dark ages
Yes I know and agree that this kind of thinking is outrageous
The only thing you can do is try to enlighten them but go on with your life
You have better things to deal with then people that just can’t think right
I believe personally that once contracted it doesn’t change who you are
That you need love and support more than ever for it is you who bears the scars
There will be changes in your life that will be painful and devastating
Why must you suffer also the stigma of ignorance and people hating
HIV/Aids Advocates are the bravest people I have ever been privileged to meet
When hysteria was running rampant they were out there on the streets
Bringing awareness to people and yes some of us do really care
I don’t care what your lifestyle was I just want you to know your pain I share
Because pain and death knows know distinction of color or gender
I pray for one and all with feelings that are true and tender
May God give one and all the strength to go on and never surrender
For he loves us all; he is our Lord and Savior our righteous defender
A contest entry
- 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 - round one (for everyone) prewrite contest ENTER ENTER ENTER (AND YES THAT MEAN'S YOU too by serenity silvermoon.
927 points, ended February 16, 1509 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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Worthy of the honorable mention...I work in a nursing home as you know and it is not the old folks at home depiction, I especially work in the behavior unit where there has been these residents with this said disease and of course there is a lot of ignorance still on it. Well written and stated. Blessings.
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What wonderful thoughts you have penned here. You show compassion and love for people in so many situations where they are shunned by the ignorance of others.
You really have opened up and spoke clearly and justly.
A beautiful entry into the contest.
Thank you.
Soulful Woman -
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Thank you so very much for the kindness of your words they are greatly appreciated. God Bless, Jo-Ann
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speechless
I am truly speechless here. You gave us a trip down memory lane when the disease was still unknown flipped it and used friends as examples of the pain andignorance of not just one but two diseases and ended it with a prayer for humanity. Awesome doesn't cut it! This was amazing and you managed to keep the beat and rhyme throughout. Amazing job thank you for this entry and good luck! -
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Thank you my friend for the generosity of your words they mean a lot to me. The prompt is one that touches me deeply and I gladly share my thoughts with you. God Bless, Jo-Ann
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A great write to show support to those with this terrible disease. Especially those that are completely innocent of getting it. But the scare comes from the ones who are irresponsible and take no recourse to keep themselves safe and others. The few once again spoil it for the many.
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I agree and I also believe that harsh penalties and imprisonment is not severe enough if you knowingly give aids to someone as a form of revenge because you have it. And the person who knowingly gave it to you should be punished as well. The problem would be how you would determine if it was willful and destructive so once again innocent people could be punished. This is a dilemma that I am sure the law makers are dealing with right know. Thank you for stopping by my friend. God Bless, Jo-Ann
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