Performed at Celebrate, Commemorate, Cabaret
The name strikes dread into our heart,
We know what its impact can be.
We’ve seen the worst and best of it,
Its devastation of our community.
In the hedonistic excess of the 80’s,
We saw our playmates falter and fall.
Their fluids turned into Hades River,
Some swept away. Some, not at all.
The randomness, of the infection.
The suspicion, ignorance and fear.
Our family, friends and lovers blamed
Just because, they were Queer.
Investment in medical research
Stopped this killer in its tracks.
The afflicted now can live a life,
Improved by treatment and facts.
We honour our brothers and sisters,
Who didn’t survive that fight.
We salute and support the survivors
Whose life turned out alright.
Let us celebrate our lives today,
And those, whose lives are past.
Embrace our loving community
May it prosper, flourish and last
