Empathy

She may have
shared the virus
unknowingly-

galactorrhea, etiology unknown -
breast milk
expressed on exam
shot upward
into my eye.

Today, we sit together
eye to eye
physician to patient
roles assigned.

Her face, pitted and scarred
so much cocaine
her eyes deep with despair
her viral load high, so high.

She tells me how it is for her
this cocktail-
stomach sickness
bone weariness
no energy
fear.
She weeps.

I listen
and wait
and empathize with her,
but I know.

In May 1999, 12 months postexposure, the author tested negative for HIV.