True Hero Poem by D.N. Rebb

Take a good look at his picture
We still celebrate him every year
Fighting for that disease's radical cure
A true hero, this young man, crystal clear
Offering himself for nothing in return
A commitment that ultimately killed him
So many lessons from which we can all learn
He always stood out, vertical, on one limb
So young and naïve to do what he believed in
But don't feel sad for our fallen hero
No part of his initial dream would have been,
If we didn't remember to honor him every year through
His commemorative crusade needs to continue
As some wrongly worship entertaining millionaires
Inappropriately calling them heroes to look up to
Yet, don't they get well paid for their talented affairs?
Thus, our hero gave all his contributions away
To the underlying worthy cause he strongly believed in
Never lived long enough to have experienced a true love cliché
Still, today, we all truly love and celebrate him therein
Now, it's time to evaluate his initial assessment
One dollar from each of us was all that was requested
A single bill to continue his valiant sacrificial investment
Terry, only you are a true hero, untested