Mis-Take

a mistaken remedy may worsen the woe

I raise up my hand and bring the pills down. I swallow them dry when dawn’s not around.

Half hour later, no movement to rush; maybe, I wonder, were these the right ones.

Pop another capsule or give it more time? I opt for the former, still feeling confined.

Luna pads in, small bird in her mouth; want to say something, but no sound comes out.

Both of you leave me, I shout with my mind. The cat, obedient; the bird left behind.

What name have you bird, I blink it in code, but know it is time that was earlier owed.

Chuckling at first, then laughing out loud; time flies around me not making a sound.

Leave it to flutter; on porcelain throne, not so fast acting, I stare at my toes.

Next time I reach to fetch down a pill, I glance at the capsule and read the label.

Vanquishes cramps, I’m promised in print. Right shape, wrong colour and so I still sit.

About Me

Roger Kenyon was North America’s first lay canon lawyer and associate director at the Archdiocese of Seattle. He was involved in tech (author of Macintosh Introductory Programming, Mainstay) before teaching (author of ThinkLink: a learner-active program, Riverwood). Roger lives near Toronto and offers free critical thinking and character development courses online.

“When not writing, I’m riding—eBike, motorbike, and a mow cart that catches air down the hills. One day I’ll have Goldies again.”