Moi aussi j'ai perdu un ami dans ces années folles, où tout était libéré, et où l'insouciance fut ravagée par le SIDA... Tendres pensées à toutes ces âmes partie si tôt.
I’m so glad you reminded me of World AIDS Day on Saturday. I sent in my donation to Broadway Cares: EQUITY Fights AIDS. I try to support the Broadway community’s important work. And I loved listening to this post. Your letter is so moving. Rest in Peace, Robert Mapplethorpe and all who succumbed to that horrible plague. And may the scientific and medical research and work continue. And may all who test positive get the care they need. Thanks, Patti. You’re simply the best!
"The first time I saw him, Robert was sleeping. He was standing in front of him, a twenty-year-old boy who, upon perceiving my presence, opened his eyes and smiled. With a few words, he became my friend, my companion, my beloved adventure"
As for HIV, it is now possible to be tested and control the onset of the disease even if someone is infected. However, there is still no vaccine or cure.
Patty's ‘reenter the Dark Corridors of Loss ‘is visually realistic and surprising in its depth of grief over loss
‘The most beautiful work of all’ such a lovely tribute to Robert. It was lovely to hear you read this and it brought tears to my eyes. So many special people lost to AIDS, such an ungiving disease and many memories of people lost. Thank you Patti 🙏
Hearing you read the letter you wrote to Robert is overwhelmingly moving. There is so much love and truth in it. Thank you, Patti, for expressing so beautifully what some of us feel about those we love who have passed. This, especially, resonates for me:
“I learned to see through you and never compose a line or draw a curve that does not come from the knowledge I derived in our precious time together.”
Thank you again, Patti. These are the words I would write if I were the writer you are.
Reading your post. I was reminded of Keanu Reeves response to a question by Stephen Colbert during an interview: "What do you think happens when we die?" KR: "I know that the ones who love us will miss us". There was complete silence for a few moments --as well as tears. Thank you, Patti, for sharing the letter and keeping the memories alive.
Your letter to Robert is still such a moving elegy.
I'm lost for words...I feel so moved and privileged to have heard this ..
Beautiful
Moi aussi j'ai perdu un ami dans ces années folles, où tout était libéré, et où l'insouciance fut ravagée par le SIDA... Tendres pensées à toutes ces âmes partie si tôt.
Oh, this is such a moving moment! Thank you for sharing with us ...
This is so moving,so beautiful. 🕊️🤍
I knew so many talented, beautiful souls who died from AIDS. I sat next to them as they breathed their last. I remember them today and always.
Thank you for the touching tribute to your friend and co-creator, Robert Mapplethorpe.
I stayed at the Chelsea Hotel earlier this year just to be near the energy spawned by your union and the artists who came before.
Thank you for sharing this with us. ❤️
I’m so glad you reminded me of World AIDS Day on Saturday. I sent in my donation to Broadway Cares: EQUITY Fights AIDS. I try to support the Broadway community’s important work. And I loved listening to this post. Your letter is so moving. Rest in Peace, Robert Mapplethorpe and all who succumbed to that horrible plague. And may the scientific and medical research and work continue. And may all who test positive get the care they need. Thanks, Patti. You’re simply the best!
I have just finished reading Just kids for the third time. It’s always an inspiration and always gives me something new. 💛
My best friend died from complications of HIV in 2003. He was 42 years old. A generation lost. Condolences.
So sorry for your loss.
"When Robert died, I couldn't cry,
I started writing. In the end I saved the pages.
Here are these pages, farewell to friend, my adventure, my joy unbound."
The Coral Sea by Patti Smith
"The first time I saw him, Robert was sleeping. He was standing in front of him, a twenty-year-old boy who, upon perceiving my presence, opened his eyes and smiled. With a few words, he became my friend, my companion, my beloved adventure"
The Coral Sea of Patti Smith
In memory of Robert
As for HIV, it is now possible to be tested and control the onset of the disease even if someone is infected. However, there is still no vaccine or cure.
Patty's ‘reenter the Dark Corridors of Loss ‘is visually realistic and surprising in its depth of grief over loss
‘The most beautiful work of all’ such a lovely tribute to Robert. It was lovely to hear you read this and it brought tears to my eyes. So many special people lost to AIDS, such an ungiving disease and many memories of people lost. Thank you Patti 🙏
Hearing you read the letter you wrote to Robert is overwhelmingly moving. There is so much love and truth in it. Thank you, Patti, for expressing so beautifully what some of us feel about those we love who have passed. This, especially, resonates for me:
“I learned to see through you and never compose a line or draw a curve that does not come from the knowledge I derived in our precious time together.”
Thank you again, Patti. These are the words I would write if I were the writer you are.
Reading your post. I was reminded of Keanu Reeves response to a question by Stephen Colbert during an interview: "What do you think happens when we die?" KR: "I know that the ones who love us will miss us". There was complete silence for a few moments --as well as tears. Thank you, Patti, for sharing the letter and keeping the memories alive.