I hope you're up there smiling, Ryan,
though I'm not quite sure you could.
Have the lessons that you taught us
changed us, as you hoped they would?
Can you see us now from where you are?
Is the human race any better or wiser?
Or is all the small and petty hatred
as safe and cold as a shut-in miser?
You never asked for our sympathy.
You said you didn't want our tears.
Faced with fear and hate, you loved.
You were so wise for so few years.
So many of us live long, full lives
yet don't gain wisdom such as yours.
Was it Death, always advancing, Ryan,
that pushed you through the hidden doors?
Your precious gifts will not be wasted.
No, someday, you'll see love everywhere.
Eyes and hearts, long closed, will open.
Those who condemned will finally care.
With love, you tilled our hearts and minds
and the seed of truth was planted well -
To hate each other for our differences
makes life on this earth a living hell.
I wish I could say we all have changed
into what you hoped we all could be
but change, it seems, comes so slowly
and heaven knows, it's never free.
But take hope, sweet child, take hope,
for courageous hearts still hold the line.
Their bodies may be racked with illness
but their souls are noble, pure and fine.
Hatred and ignorance still walk among us
but their footsteps are much more light.
Their voices aren't quite so loud these days,
for many good soldiers have joined the fight.
So, yes, I believe this world has changed
since the day you had to say goodbye.
We're wiser now, Ryan, and less afraid,
but we're still so sad you had to die.
Author notes
Here are some sites about Ryan White if you'd like to learn more about him. He was a great kid.
www.ryanwhite.com
www.geocities.com/reghead121/ryanwhite.html
www.geocities.com/SoHo/Exhibit/8222/ryan.htm
www.indiana.edu/~iudmc/about/ryanwhite.html
www.digitaljournalist.org/issue0106/voices_yamasaki.htm
Ryan White’s testimony before the President’s Commission on AIDS -
www.geocities.com/SoHo/Exhibit/8222/rwtest.htm
Written August 31st, 2004
In a list
A contest entry
- World AIDS Day Contest by lordoftherings.
800 points, ended September 9, 2004, 17 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 59 of 59
-
Ryan contracted the AIDS virus during a blood transfusion. I think he was a hemophiliac. He made the public aware that AIDS wasn't just a "gay disease" and was very outspoken. The thing that impressed me most about him was the depth of his thinking and the philosophies he promoted - mainly loving each other despite our differences, or at least being tolerant and acceptant if people are different and not hurting anyone. He really tweeked a lot of conscience's, if you know what I mean. As the Bible says, "From the mouths of babes . . ."
I included a few links to sites about Ryan in my author comments on this if you'd like to read more about him.
Thanks,
Mark
-
This is...Wow...Sad and powerful all in one...I didn't know what happened to Ryan before so hopefully you could tell me...
Ashley -
Compelling write.
I chose to read this as I remembered Ryan White and his gentle loving spirit. You wrote a beautiful poem about him and to him. I remember reading the story of Ariel (daughter of Elizabeth and Paul-Michael Glasser) who had pediatric aids, too, the book was called 'In the absence of angels', it is unforgettable as Ryan White and Ariel Glasser. What a terrible disease that this young man was afflicted with. Great job and congratualtions on this having been a winning piece. Very touching.
Edited on Sep 27, 5:00 p.m. because ''. -
Hi Gregg,
Thanks for revisiting this one. Because of your experience, the fact that you consider it to be profound means more to me than all the other responses put together. I'm glad to hear you finally are receiving love and support from your family. As far as your living so long with this disease while Ryan did not, your life means as much to a lot of people as Ryan's did. Your loved ones have been deepened as human beings, not to mention all the lives you've touched with your writing, and all the strength you've given to people with or without the disease through your work. You're a fighter, Gregg, and the world needs inspiration like that more than ever. You're definitely an inspiration to me. Despite the pain in your life, you have a heart as big as all outdoors.
Your friend,
Mark
-
I had to come back and read this poem again, I don't know why. Saw it advertised on your front page and I remembered honouring you with the trophy. Then it came back to me, Ryan and I have lasted the longest with this disease from my personal point of view. Unfortunately, the angels came to pick him up before me and sometimes I wish it had been the opposite because while I was in my early twenty's at the time of my co-infection, Ryan was still almost a toddler and my heart strings pulled every time I had heard something had happened to either him or his family. A second reason for re-reading it is the support he had from his family, the support that should have also been there for me, but was not...only twenty years later after living so long with this chronic illness, my family has finally realized the importance of safe-guarding relationships. Again, Mark, as the first time I read it, nothing has changed...it is still profound. Thanks again. Gregg
-
I know someone who is going through the same thing Ryan went through. They also live in Indiana.
~Acadia~ -
I just tried the links and they all worked from my computer. Very strange!
Take care,
Mark -
Hi Gregg,
Thank you so much for the bronze in this contest. Considering the heart and passion of the other entries, and the fact that you are living with HIV, it is a deep and profound honor. Sorry about the website links. I'll double-check them.
Wishing you health, happiness and the best of everything.
Mark -
Who could forget this courageous young man if you contracted the virus back in the 1980s as I did and watched this young boy grow into a man for his age. Unlike Rock Hudson and Liberace, for fear of public reprise, the trials and tribulations of this young haemophilic rose from obscurity thanks to the media frenzy that surrounded his life. And we watched him through it all, applauding him for his journey. He remains to be one of the greatest heroes in representation of what living with HIV/AIDS entails. Thanks for entering this contest. Gregg (PS: I had difficulty in linking to some of the websites. I will IM you with the difficult ones.)
-
Great great poem, I remember watching the movie a long time ago and hating his gilrfriend for being so shallow and snubbing him...I think I have heard that he lived 20 years after he got HIV, or maybe he lived to be 20? Anyway, that is a long time to suffer. I would like to think that I can comprehend the pain that he went through, but I know that that is impossible. Thank you for writing this, it is beautiful.
-
Incredible
This is a beautiful poem, very thought-provoking, sad, serious, and very true. Awesome writing. -
I remember watching the Ryan White story/ movie in highschool and it touched me so much so, that I searched desperately for an address to send him a letter and lacking the internet back then, all I could do was send the letter to the TV Guide and they sent me a letter, saying they forwarded my letter, and about a year later, he wrote me a thank you card
I still have it somewhere.
awesome tribute -
very sweet poem for what had to be a delightful person. i also like the way social commentary has been interwoven into the poem. another good one from Mr. Rickerby!
-
This is like my new favorite poem. It made me tear. It was so powerful and I just loved it. Im just so speechless right now. Keep these coming !!!! Great write!!
BeCcA*** -
wonderful write
very powerful... that's all i can say right now, my breath is totally taken bye this wonderful write! -
This has such great flow.
Anna -
-
masterpiece
Ryans hopes and dreams are kept alive by kind people like you willing to open their hearts and share through words what should have been said at the beginning of time. Thank you so much for your efforts and hard work in presenting this work of art . 
-
I'm speechless....
~Kristy -
This is such a sad write. And I have seen this movie about him... You are a very talented writer!!! And this was a really nice tribute to him. From ASmileIs4Ever2
-
Wonderful job! Great flow. A beautiful tribute and so sad and moving. Excellent job.
Elisabeth -
This is a great tribute to Ryan, I agree that enough has not been done to help the victims of this horrible disease. We need to be united to overcome this disease. Thanks for sharing
-
beautiful
I knew Mark that this like all of your work would be wonderful and it is.. You should find some way to send it to his mother to let her know her son is still thought of. Grief never heals a wounded heart. I was heartbroken by what happened to Ryan not only was he denied a education, he was denied the innocence of youth, Take Care, Catressa -
When I was in 9th grade, I chose to read The Ryan White Story. It was by far the most profound, and eye-opening thing to read. It opened my eyes to so much around me that I had never even noticed- events going on that changed my generation and how we percieve things. That was only a year ago, and I'm only going into 10th grade now, but when I saw this on the Featured Poems, I immediately had to say something about how he changed my perspective on things. Your absolutely right, and from one kid to another- he was a great one.
*~!)o(Azul Corte Katze)o(!~* -
Oh wow , This is a very beautiful tribute to Ryan White . Very Breathtaking. Thank you so much for shairing it with us .
~Damaris~ -
All I can really think of is... wow. That was incredible.
-
Great Write
I remember the story of Ryan White, he was on several talk shows and his mom did a heck of a wonderful job taking care of her son. This was a lovely poetic tribute to a child that went home much too soon. Things have improved quite a bit since then but the fight still continues for a cure for this ugly disease. Thank you for sharing his story and the best of luck to you in the contest. Avril
-
Wonderful
Mark this is an amazing poem and my entry into this contest pales in comparison to yours. I guess that’s what happens when genius fashions something wonderful. You have created a lovely flow and even though the content is somber it felt celebratory to me. You know like how when you give tribute at a wake or funeral…i guess eulogy is the word i am looking for. This is a pleasure to read and it is something special when read aloud (which i have done many times now). BTW, thank you for your input on my poem for my brother…i appreciate the assist and made the punctuation changes you suggested. It seems better. Even tho i was born and bred American, the English language still remains a wild hairy animal i’ve yet to tame. I’d wish you luck in the contest but i honestly don’t think you need it…this is a winner for sure! aw what the heck, Good Luck to you...and thank you again. Blessings and best wishes, ~richard
-
Hey Cheryl,
Darn, you caught me! Yes, it's all a big facade. I'm actually a total creep. I spend most of my time walking around cutting the strings on little girls' kites, stepping on baby chicks, and kicking out old lady's crutches. haha Goofball.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope all is well with you.
Mark -
Touching!
This is a stunning tribute Mark, so incredibly deep and beautifully written. I've never lost anyone close to me through AIDS but like most I am brutally aware of the pandemic and the destruction it causes. This is a poignant way to highlight this plight and get people to realise and better yet, understand that this could happen to anyone, be anyone and that prejudices are pathetic towards it. People so quickly condemn without any background facts and it takes someone with the capability to open their mind to explain the vital details that have been to blatantly over looked. This is a great piece of writing Mark, well done.
~Samantha
-
Thanks Niky,
I wouldn't mind you sharing this poem at all. Please give my best to your friend. Thanks for thinking enough of my poem to share it.
Best wishes,
Mark -
Wonderful Mark! I was born in the Indy/Kokomo Ind. area and was disgusted about the whole sad situation this poor young man went through. He is and always has been one of my heros. It has been a long time since I have thought about him. I know he smiles down on us from heaven. Thanks for a sweet, memorable write!
Take Care-TGR (Theresa) -
excellent
You've nailed this poem Mark. Very nice tempo... not rushed yet in moves the reader along nicely. Good contrasts brought out in it... creating an interest in the reader to finish the poem to see where you are going with it. There's a simpleness to it, yet not trite... that's not easy to do.
Bravo friend...... nicely penned.
Don -
How truely beautiful! You expressed such a profound love for this person.....(tears) But it does make me wonder.....has this world truley changed? Or is it just getting worse and we are just becoming desensitized to it all?
-
Amazing...I am so moved by this poem. Wonderful job.
-
That was a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing.
leianne00 -
a powerful and touching tribute... i read about ryan white when i was very young and was touched by his courage in the face of the insurmountable... well done...
-
sad... I lost my mom... i know what it's like to lose someone so close to you... the worse feeling in the world, such sadness, it brings stress but strength too. it all depends on the person. If you're not strong about it it'll kill you too, on the inside...great write, i'm sorry
-
Excellent Write
This was a strong, worthy and beautiful poem. I remember seeing Ryan on Oprah a long time ago (and on Montel) and thinking how strong and brave he was. He helped me to understand how Aids and HIV worked and through that knowledge I believe I became a better person. I have a friend who is living with HIV and if you don't mind I am going to show her your poem, I'm sure she will love it as much as I do. You are an excellent writer. Luv Niky x
-
This was....beautiful. Wow. Amazing...so full of emotion.
I love it.
~Lana
-
Lovely peice, really really enjoyed readding it. It's very well written and well worded. I like how it started. It comes across very well also........great write keep up the brilliant work!!
*nd*.......... -
na
-
This is so sad, it's so full of emotion.
I reckon Ryan will appreciate you doing this for him.
-
I remember Ryan White, I remember the movie made about him. I remember crying for him because people were such ignorant beings and so cruel and intolerable of him. This was a touching tribute in his honor, and I am glad I clicked on this to read. Good Luck in this contest.
~Carrie -
This was simply beautiful. I remember this young man and I hope everyone that heard his story will forever remember him and continue on to "know" what it was he was telling the world. "An Angel sent to earth he was to spread the word of love." by me.
Hugs and bites, Lady Raven -
Powerful
Wow. A very powerful, moving poem. You are so very talented as a writer. This isn't the first thing I've read by you that I absolutely loved. Keep up the good work. I remember the story of Ryan White, I learned about it in school. It was so sad, and your poem captures the tragedy perfectly. -
I had to think back on my early childhood and reflect it into the teachings I was then recieving and my god I couldn't believe I actually remembered all of this. And yes society was unbelievably cruel to this poor boy. I remember one particular fable about catching aids was that drinking from the same fountain as an aids victim would pass it along to you or others. We were taught to live in an era of fear because of all the idiots who didn't take their time to get to know the "facts" and sent us the children half truths or complete lies. But I remember Ryan White Vaguely, and what I remember was pretty grim. You have written a beautiful piece commemorating him keep up the lovely writes.
-Jacquie -
when young hearts are stilled far too early in their lives they show a courage, and a love of what they are losing that opens our eyes to the worthiness not only of their cahrecter soon to be lost, but of our own mortal souls. I feel for you and your loss, and hope that he is in a place where no aids are needed for all are whole and healthy and happy forever.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Artis
-
This is very very very awesome because you created it from your heart and those are the best kinds of poems. Your rhyming and flow are great too. Wonderful job!!
-
This is absolutely beautiful, and you did a wonderful job in the writing of it.... the flow is perfect, and so is the rhyming, which never sounds forced or trite (that's so hard to do!). Very powerful words. This is a lovely tribute. Best of luck in the contest - you should win!
-
excellent
i remember ryan well and all he went through. you did a fine job with this expressing your feelings about his life and wondering if he is happy with what we are doing. i will say we have come a long way in the time since he died. i think people are much more aware of the truths and are more compassionate towards each other. there is a lot more understanding all the way around and i think ryan would be proud. i congratulate you on your quest you have taken on this forum. -
such a fitting tribute...
it's sad when someone dies (if i remeber right) so young...
especially for the reasons he did...
blessings to you
mike -
Whoever Ryan was I'm sure he would appreciate the sincerity of your tribute.
-
i ve just been on the tribute page and i nearly cried it's so unfair that someone so young died with so much pain i also saw that he died on my birthday well two years before i was born but i shall pray for him on all my birthdays from now on
-
this is so beautful i nearly cried probably because i'm listening to my favouritist song at the moment mixed with this poem.overwhelming!!!!!!!1i don't agree with mariza GG that this is a sad background i think it's a hopeful and lovely background but oh well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
-
Mark,
This is a wonderful piece that shows how empathic you are. Shows how special your heart is. If not, you, spend alot of time faking it.
Cheryl
-
Oh, gosh, I remember Ryan. That was when we were all so ignorant, and now we believe we are informed, because we know that we won't catch AIDS by sharing the same room. We've come so far, with quilted faces we remember and spread awareness. Are we really so aware? Or have we just turned our ignorance on another group?
-
You don't need to try and write any form of poetry, what you do is wonderful alreday!
To pass to the readers the feelings you have inside and so easily, isn't a simple thing to do but that is what happened every time I read a poem written by you.
This one is very heartfelt and emotions come out of every word.
A sad read, a sad background and also very sad to know that society can be so cruel!
Hugs,
Mari
-
This is one of the reasons that I love reading you. You have a huge heart to beable to write a poem like this one. God Bless you for letting everyone know of the sad short life of Ryan White. As long as people like you remind us of Ryan, the he will always live on.
Excellent write.
Many Blessings to you in the contest..
Tammy
Adding your comment:
1 - 59 of 59
70 old applause
