The Trials and Travails of Being Positive

The Doctor delivered the news like a Court Judge in a final death sentence verdict "You are HIV positive!" A the clinic corridor the Nurses had gathered Like Eagles converging on carcasses they fed fat on my 'pitiable' frame muterring and whispering in low voices "that's the lady" "the new member of the club" At home, in the living room the family gathered in dead silence mother wept, as if mourning my death "all my efforts down the drain", she wailed and wailed father gazed at me like a psychiatric home returnee "what a terrible end!", he lamented At work, in the open office my table enjoyed expanse of space "Hi!", they would wave at me from afar To call my name was like catching the virus they would rather die than shake my hands In our street people peep behind the windows blinds "don't you ever go near!" parents warned their children and wards many fingers pointed at me wherever i turn "see the results of promiscuity" they'd say to themselves in the local shop i need not to queue "just come over here awhile, my dear" the shopowner would cajole giving me special treatment, i never got before everywhere i turn and go i have a name tag and see huge price tag of being an unfortunate victim of HIV/AIDS