A Poem by londonsw

HIV, My Unwanted Best Friend

My life changed some five years ago
A random blood test
With a positive outcome

My life to be changed forever
My heart was pounding fast
My body started to sweat

My tears rolled down my face
My hands were trembling
And I was scared

That bright summer day in July
Turned all of a sudden very cold
I felt alone, so alone

I had many friends
I had a caring family
But I felt so alone

Knowing myself, I knew after a few dark days
After a period of self doubt and confusion
After anger and bitterness
After feeling sorry for myself
I would open up

The true me came out
The true strong-minded me came out
The true strong-willed me came out
I reached out

Friends showed compassion
Family showed their bond
I showed courage
I was glad I reached out

So much to learn
So much information
Where to start
Where to go

Many answers needed for my many questions
To ease my mind
To make this enemy my friend
To live with this disease
Hand in hand

One cannot live without the other
So we best get on
And so we did

Five years later and we become one
I have it under control
I and my unwanted friend to stay till the very end
I better make sure it understands

Do not make my body weak
Do not let me die
When I go I take you with me
So be my friend till the very end