Objects

Small objects,

some round, some square,

some big lozenges,

others egg-like, or sculpted, or cut

in clever shapes

I couldn’t have imagined a few years ago.

Stamped upon their collective visage

are numbers, letters, trademarks,

symbols of authority, and other magical incantations

which inform the reader (should he or she possess

the requisite microscopic ability) of contents,

definitions, and the all-important DOSAGE,

an Anglicized word from a forgotten Mediterranean dialect meaning TOO (dos) OLD (age).

Too old to what? you may ask. Why, too old to see,

too old to handle, too old to count, too old to read,

too old to remember, to ask questions, 

to think, to hear, to dream.

Fear not, imbiber, these are but overheard baggage

when the symbols are empowered

and the magic begins to roll.

Oh, did I mention the effects, i.e., the enumeration of miracles

to be wrought, along with the after-effects, 

the collateral effects, the side effects?

To be taken with water. Do not drink water

when dosage exceeds the square root 

of the mass of the earth’s moon. In case of eclipse,

drink heavily any liquid that comes to hand. If unable

to read these instructions, signify by sending 

a long accusatory letter to your doctor.

If directions are followed,

relief is almost certain, unless

it isn’t, in which case, it won’t be.

Does this topic upset you?

No problem. Just take a pill.

© George Phillips, 2018

Adrenallrx
by FtWashguy
from Wikimedia Commons