Robin Amy Bass

VIAL OF HOPE

Last night I swallowed a pill for to sleep
Worked fast – it calmed my brain down
I watched the news – and it mostly was bad
So what – did not crack a frown

When I awoke I was all in a funk
My brain was scrambled right through
I drank a cup of the strongest caffeine
Washed down another pill too

Now I can deal with the day as it comes
Clutching my vial filled with hope
What happened to the naive girl I was
Now I must swallow to cope

Pills made of what? Prescribed happiness
Pills that my doctors insist
Will handle what I can’t do on my own
Now I can’t seem to resist

Downing a pill that will help me relax
One that will help me awake
Side effects sure – but what doesn’t these days
Though I might I tremble and shake

Now when I go to the mirror to dress
My eyes reflect what I know
Once I could handle my life on life’s terms
Where did that pie-eyed child go?

Now I must swallow and drink till I’m numb
When that wears of – than I eat
Over and over kill – I must confess
I’m on the brink of defeat

I don’t know when I discovered the truth
Thinking too much will insure
That I will suffer along with the rest
Lucky for me there’s a cure