Memories of Snow

Overcoming Fear

Overcoming Fear:
Questionable Reaction

It was the shock of hearing the word
in association with someone that I knew personally!

The shock of coming face-to-face
with the Reaper's latest method of murder.

The shock of realizing that,
even this late in life,
death is still a frightening subject.

Also,
there was the uncertainty
of how I will greet you
the next time we meet.

Will I hug you as always,
or will I hold back
afraid of this virus
that inhibits your immune system?

Logic tells me
that a platonic hug
cannot spread the virus
from one person to another.

Poet's Note: ▶︎

I wrote this sometime in 150 B.E. The inspiration was hearing that someone I knew had AIDS.