O. HENRY — APOTHECARY

By Christopher Morley

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!