Prose Poems by renowned poet Herb Woodward Matin which recount the life and AIDS deterioration of Willie Short after a hospitalization when he discovers his illness. The following account describes the subject of these poems: Willie Short, 36, Dishwasher Houston, TX "Don't forget me. Mention my name now and then." Newsweek, August 10, 1987 "I was shot in a robbery attempt two years ago. While in the hospital, I was diagnosed as having the AIDS virus. When I came to after the operation, I saw my father whom I had not seen in 17 years. When he learned what I had, he immediately left, and I have not seen him since. Since then, I've recovered from the gunshot wound, but have suffered a much greater loss. I have lost the love of my parents and will never br a part of the family again. I have lost all my friends who have turned their backs on me. I've experienced firsthand the hatred and prejudice that come with having the disease. I've become a recluse, and have very little time left. The reason I am writing is with the loss of my family and friends, I'm afraid what will happen to me when I die. . . . I don't want to die and be forgotten. I just want to die with dignity.