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HIV/AIDS Blog Central

My Letter to HIV (Poem)

By Robert Breining

April 29, 2012


This video was created to take part in Justin B. Terry Smith's "Write a Letter to HIV" Campaign in partnership with TheBody.com.

Dear HIV,
Funny meeting you here
Since these are our first words spoken in over 10 years.

But listen to my words, because this is the truth.
I've had a love/hate relationship with you since my youth

When I first met you, Pedro was his name.
The man on a mission to spread that having HIV didn't mean -- living in shame.
and that AIDS is real -- not a game.

The second time I met you, was basketball tragic.
You slam dunked over and infected the one they call Magic.

The third time was the movie Philadelphia that featured Tom Hanks
It brought awareness to AIDS stigma for that I say thanks.

For my fourth introduction, I can't say the same.
I was taught you were a curse, for my being gay was to blame.

But it wasn't until 2001 when we first stared into each other eyes.
When you were finally acknowledged, It wasn't a lie.
I hated you, I thought I would die
I kept you a secret held deep inside.
It took me over 5 years for me to accept you with pride.

Our 10yr relationship has forced me to reflect.
On friends and family the people I used to reject.

Its the Jacks, Mondos, Onginas and Jamars
That inspire me to keep reaching for the stars.

So thank you HIV for giving me a purpose.
I refuse to give up and lay down like a carcass.

So Today I sit here and have nothing but respect.
For the virus that changes you the moment it infects

Check out the POZ I AM social support network and radio show -- http://www.poziam.com.




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See Also
2013 Poetry Month at TheBody.com: HIV/AIDS-Related Poems From Our Readers
A Message From Your Poetry Editor
2012 Poetry Month at TheBody.com
2011 Poetry Month at TheBody.com
2010 Poetry Month at TheBody.com
More HIV/AIDS-Related Poetry
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The Positive Pitch

I describe myself as a "positive person with purpose." My goal is to help people living with HIV/AIDS discover similarities in each other ... and form friendships. I want to ease the shock of a diagnosis and remind people that our dreams are not infected. I am also an HIV/AIDS cyber-activist, radio show host, blogger and social network guru.

For my full bio, click here.


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