Alchemy

Alchemy

by Laura Summerville Reed

I never showed up for chemistry class

but passed the litmus test just the same

I climbed out the window

to chase the Philosopher’s Stone

Changing lead balloons into white hot Devil Orbs

has always been the more interesting homework

I sought the Universal Solvent

I discovered the Elixir of Life

The gold and silver Panacea

sparkles and shines

and tears at the day and the night

and my wrists and my throat

I stir this cup

bitter as quinine

sweet as summer honey

gathered in the sunlight

savored in the moonlight

I’ll drink it up

and toast to its glorious failure

and all that’s won between the lines

LSR 2010©