Red Ribbons: The AIDS Pandemic [PAN2014][non-writer]

I lost a childhood best friend to AIDS, she was raped at 15 and infected with the HIV virus. There are some beautiful memories of her, and of course sad ones too...

I'll never forget the fear I felt in the 1980's/1990's. Lying awake at night wondering when I would be infected. 8-16 year olds aren't supposed to get deadly diseases, right?

While HIV/AIDS might not be considered a pandemic, it felt like one to me. I lost a best friend, 3 next door neighbors and have 4 friends with AIDS right now. One of them has been in the hospital since May. It feels like a pandemic to me and my small world when a best friend was diagnosed with HIV at 16 years old...

I changed her name to Joy because that's what she brought her family and true friends. I'll never forget you Joy and cherish the memories with special care.

I love you Joy, so so very much!! 1977-2006



Red Ribbons: The AIDS Pandemic [PAN2014][non-writer]

Do you remember Red Ribbons
And the fear the world felt inside
Could AIDS be transferred through vision
Was the air contagious outside

Some said the government made it
Others thought it was god's design
AIDS had infected our spirits
With the air contagious outside

Was AIDS transmitted by touching
"Don't touch him he's gay and you'll die"
Repugnant minds were erupting
Was the air contagious outside

Do you remember Red Ribbons
Was the air contagious outside

I started wearing Red Ribbons
After hearing my friends tragic tales
Of the worst gifts they'd been given
Buried grief under a mourning veil

Our grandmothers they were best friends
You told me, my god I went stale
Sick with anguish for your grave end
Buried grief under a mourning veil

Once surrounded by many, now few
Your frame morphed from buxom to frail
Love you Joy, I bid you adieu
Buried grief under a mourning veil

I started wearing Red Ribbons
Buried grief under a mourning veil

--------

Thanks for reading and don't forget to tell someone special how much you love them...

a reply to: Jennyfrenzy

This was very heartfelt. I also lost someone very near and dear to my heart from this horrible disease. I'm of the mind it's more of a "designer manufactured" disease. Even if it is, it won't bring my handsome nephew back.

Beautiful poem.

a reply to: Jennyfrenzy

That's such a sad story -or song? -but a very fitting tribute to your friend. People only really disappear when we stop talking about them, so it's wonderful that you are keeping her memory alive and still thinking about her. And still loving her.

RIP Joy,

B x

Beautiful poem and tribute to your dear friend!

a reply to: Mrs.Peony

Thanks!

Hugs to you and the memory of your loved one.

a reply to: beansidhe

It's funny that you mentioned song because when I read it, I sing it. So it's both a poem and song I guess.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her, she was robbed.

Thanks for your kind words

a reply to: Night Star

Thank you!

She was and always will be very dear to me.

a reply to: Jennyfrenzy

Jenny, This is a very Touching and Beautiful way to add Life to Your Friend's Memory! Beautiful!

a reply to: SyxPak

Thanks Syx! The most awesome dragon of ATS!

She was very special, robbed of a life, children and old age. Life can be so unfair at times...

a reply to: Jennyfrenzy
Sent you a U2U message with a story....been there (and almost) done that got the lab work to prove it.
Thank you for your story so much.

a reply to: lakesidepark

Thank you so much!

Got the PM and am so beyond moved by your story. I'll get back to your message ASAP!!!