Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Wellmeaning


HIV test will be sold over the counter
METRO, 4 July 2012

They mean well who say
there there, be strong, don’t cry
over contaminated bloods, or diagnostic delays.

They mean well who say
if only you’d told us all sooner
your boss, your landlord, your insurer.

They mean well who say
things’ll get better, wait and see
as if, eventually, bills will pay themselves.

They mean well who say
needs must keep up your strength
though days crawl away beyond any liminal faith.

They mean well who say
a wise man counts his blessings
when your CD4 chart shows a dead cat bounce.

They mean well who say
you can beat this thing if you just keep fighting
despite the indictment of your DS1500.

They mean well who say
go right ahead, we’ve seen it all before
as your modesty curtain is drawn around you like a hex.

They mean well who say
it’s never too late to seek forgiveness,
if only you can live with having outlived your friends.

They mean well who say
all of life is contained in this moment
and make holiday plans while removing their masks.

They mean well who say
it’s a blessing you’ve been moved off that ward
a further step closer to the exit, quiet and dignified.

They mean well who say
we’re so glad we had this last chance
already in the acceptance stage of mourning.


(c) 2012 Slush Poet

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