Robert Breining - My Letter to HIV (poem)

This video was created to take part in Justin B. Terry Smith's 

Write a Letter to HIV Campaign in partner 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 starred 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

- Robert Breining

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

Write a Letter to HIV with Justin B Terry Smith

This Sunday April 15th our friend Justin B Terry Smith will be introducing the "Write A Letter to HIV Campaign" to the POZ I AM Radio audience. Many of us that are infected with HIV often do not address HIV. I've decided that we need to whether you are HIV negative or positive; this letter is meant to encourage and empower.

If you're infected or affected by HIV, I'm asking that you write a letter and then videotape yourself reading the letter aloud. If you don't want to video tape yourself you can send in a picture of yourself or something that represents you. It helps sometimes to get your feelings out, whether you've been recently diagnosed or have been living with HIV for a long period of time.

Justin is asking everyone -- including his fellow bloggers and others that don't have a blog -- to join me in this campaign, You can view my letter to HIV by clicking here for an example of what I'm talking about. Like I stated above if you don't want to make a video you don't have to; a simple letter will suffice. You can also send a picture of yourself. Entries will be posted in a series on thewww.body.com which will later on be put on my website www.justinbsmith.com.

Send your letters and video embedded code/links to mylettertohiv@gmail.com.

PLEASE JOIN Justin IN EMPOWERING YOURSELVES IN THIS FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS!

Listen to the interview with Justin B Terry Smith - Click Here