/lit/ - Literature

Two separate women are on my mind; one a terrible memory of the painful past and the other a terrible fantasy of a blissful future. So I wrote a poem that blends that.

Black Apothecary
--

Jeweled orbs which through photons sing,
cry out their beautiful, terrible, ring.

What baffling things they thus inflict,
and to see--just the half of it.

There was no hope where those spheres impinged,
Nerve endings numbed, no spark, no twinge.

When just a glance stole march on chance,
Now paired with a smirk, force of an avalanche.

It was hoped no door was left ajar,
Yet clearly heard, "come near, go far!"

Tensions rose and then expanded,
An orchestra seldom commanded.

Within, a conflict burning bright,
Give up the struggle, or stand and fight?

Foolish courage thence congealed,
"Follow this road that bends and peels!"

"Soon enough you'll reach the shop,
You can't miss it, you'll know the stop."

Rumored medicine, both cold and bitter,
That soon soothes and warms like liquor.

"I've come this far, what's a little further?"
Explained, excused, with rising fervor.

"Push on the door, you'll find it's open,
But watch your step, the stairs are broken."

"Welcome, friend, it's been a while,
We've missed you here." less tact, more guile.

"You've been down and out, we've just the thing,
The barkeep, she's a coiled spring."

"Make a friend, live a little,
You know it's always noncommittal."

Nervous fingers grip and claw,
He'd heard that tale, that lying saw.

A patron spoke, "you'll lose your head,
"Some, they say, even end up dead."

"But there's no returning from beyond this border,
So sidle up, and place your order."

His head was spinning, senses weak,
Would he even manage to speak?

"Your strongest draft! Your stiffest drink!
Hurry up, before I can think!"

"This medicine," she said, "made from fruit,"
"You'll like the taste, the sting's acute."

"We've just one left, it's out of season,
You'll get no more, and get no reason."

Recklessly imbibed, then all he desired,
"Ingredients!?" frightfully inquired.

"The fruit? It's Love, we use just the pit,
The price?

That you'll remember it."