I am a black child.
In Africa, I have lived
for quite some time with AIDS
I have been asked to speak
out - to be seen as the
child that all the world knows
as a “survivor”.
At long last, I am dying
and no one can know the
things I long to say -
I long to tell my mama
that I love her -
I long
to stay in this world
a little longer…
I long to have been
a little stronger…
If I have done some
good in having
my photo taken
and my words heard
around the globe
then perhaps
there may,
someday - be hope.
But I am not the only
child with AIDS -
I am not a poster child
for this disease
We are everywhere -
oh, there are many of us -
we come in many colors,
and we have many needs…
If my heart still beats
like a drum, for now,
Please hear its message:
Please notice us
please care for us,
somehow.

©Christina Sharik
January 8, 2001