Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome/Human Immunodeficiency Virus

An Infectious Disease System/Hope is Volunteered

By Ruth Cox aka abitosunshine

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome/Human Immunodeficiency Virus,
Banishment of the stigmas attached to these diseases are desirous.
An Infectious Disease System/Hope Is Volunteered,
An acronym that should be unquestioningly revered.

Volunteers abound in many ways, shapes, and forms
To assist those battling this debilitating storm.
Some this summer will enlist their services at a camp for the children,
Making unconditional love the highlight of a week's haven.

If I could give you something to take away with you this week,
It would be the fulfillment of expectations and wishes that you seek.
I would give you the the inner strength and ability with which to cope
With an illness that often leaves one with a lack of hope.

I would have you walk away from your time knowing it was well spent,
In the hustle and bustle of activity some anger you were able to vent.
I would have you leave with the knowledge that you did all you could do,
For a week you allowed the kids to feel their situation wasn't taboo.

So when you go away from this wondrous and special place,
Say so-long with your most compassionate embrace.
For you have been involved in an event that may very well be a child's last,
And the impression that you leave will become that child's future, not past.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome/Human Immunodeficiency Virus,
Banishment of the stigmas attached to these diseases are desirous.
An Infectious Disease System/Hope Is Volunteered,
An acronym that should be unquestioningly revered.

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Dedicated to the DQ's Carnival fundraising event in 2006
for F.A.C.E.S. UNIT at Children's Hospital and Camp Sunrise
Columbus, Ohio

This poem was written for the camp volunteers & sold in auction of the fundraiser.