I am invisible, yet you see me everywhere I am grief and despair I feed off ignorance and fear. I am caution thrown to the wind I have a beginning with no end. I am anger, I am shame I've spent fortunes I've destroyed fame. I like the old I like the young Even unborn babies My work is never done. I've been uptown I've been downtown I am your brother, sister Co-worker and friend They did not ask for me, I let myself in. I'm in your office In every school The local clinic, That seedy bar playing pool I make new friends every minute. They can't wipe me out This is war. I don't care to whom you pray I visit churches everyday. I don't care if you're rich or poor The color of your skin Your ethnicity Nothing matters to me. I'm in your neighborhood On your very street I will be in your home Part of your family If you continue to ignore me My name is HIV