# An Encounter # Poem by Marvin Brato Sr

HIV infection is quite inevitable
For a high risk individual capable
Of practicing an unsafe vice or act
That would initiate the HIV attack

Counseling is the catch of the encounter
Between HIV suspect and the comforter
To unravel the truth that caused the anguish
Of which both sides agree on how to vanquish

When both beings meet in the eyes
Trust then is made that open the lies
That hold the man to lost his esteem
A moment for the other man to listen

Whether or not he indulges in random
In sex, drug or even blood transfusion
Infection with HIV becomes possible
Much more if the man is vulnerable

Whatever the gender of the victim
Does not matter at all in the end
Its how to cope with the problem
Is the primary concern by them

After the consent form is signed
Blood is extracted it done on time
And tested for HIV antigen-antibody
If present or not, is a subject for study

Even when the result is HIV reactive
Yet has to be retested if truly sensitive
Once confirmed becomes a death seal
Options are laid for the victim to deal