"Letter" by Tolu Ogunlesi
Submitted by Caite on Sun, 02/15/2009 - 15:24
LETTER
We, the Undersigned
Hereinafter addressed as The Virus
On this day, the _ day of _, 2007*
Do hereby solemnly swear and declare
(Having seen our beloved name
Castigated and Vilified unjustly all over the world)
That forthwith, we wish
To be known and addressed no longer
As HIV
But as HAV –
Human Assisted Virus
Seeing, dear Mr. and Mrs. Human,
That without your ardent cooperation and support
We can do little or no harm.
* (fill-in today’s date)
Description:
The poem “LETTER” is a “warning message” from the HIV/AIDS virus itself, drawing attention to the fact that risky human sexual behavior, and not HIV/AIDS, is the real enemy in this (medical) battle for the soul and survival of the human race. (This poem was a submission to YAHAnet's first contest held in summer 2008.)