("O. Henry" once worked in a drug-store in Greensboro, N. C.) WHERE once he measured camphor, glycerine, Quinine and potash, peppermint in bars, And all the oils and essences so keen That druggists keep in rows of stoppered jars -- Now, blender of strange drugs more volatile, The master pharmacist of joy and pain Dispenses sadness tinctured with a smile And laughter that dissolves in tears again. O brave apothecary! You who knew What dark and acid doses life prefers And yet with friendly face resolved to brew These sparkling potions for your customers -- In each prescription your Physician writ You poured your rich compassion and your wit! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME by STEPHEN COLLINS FOSTER THE KINGS by LOUISE IMOGEN GUINEY ETUDE REALISTE by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE SONNET: TO L.T. IN FLORENCE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH DERELICT; A REMINISCENCE OF R.L.S.'S TREASURE ISLAND by YOUNG EWING ALLISON VERSES WRITTEN ON THE BACK OF AN OLD VISITATION COPY OF ARMS by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD THE OPTIMIST AND THE PESSIMIST; A DIALOGUE by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) THE LAST BALLADE; MASTER FRANCOIS VILLON LOQUITUR by THOMAS BEER |