Hiv Poem by Elza Smal

I watched my mommy die today
fighting for every breath
could this really be the end
she was my mom
but also my best friend

she tucked me in at night
on my forehead a kiss so feather light
she wave goodbye as she close the door
to do her job as roadside score

She bought me cotton candy
and a dress with bows and frills
she took me to the carousel
and watched my eyes filled with joy

A handsome stranger came along
every other night
he gave her love she needed
and sometimes they will fight

one day she came home
her face all black and blue
tears streaming down her cheeks
said she saw it coming
its long time overdue.

He gave her one last present
as he went on his way
a parcel left in her blood
to remember the stranger by.

Slowly it ate her from inside
first her blood and then her flesh
but it never took her smile
nor her love could she ever hide

As she laid there on the bed
I tucked her in and kissed her
softly on the head
and I wonder what about me
as my mommy died of HIV