Rural pharmacy placement

i.

names of drugs & people

on my mind—

labels on my fingers

ii.

i speak with the patient—

a friendly face

for a new name

iii.

the pharmacist calls

a doc to discuss

polypharmacy

iv.

in borrowed gumboots,

i shadow the vet

as she numbs the horse’s flank

v.

i pour water into

graduated

glassware

—meniscus rises

vi.

alone

at night in my motel

room—i journal

then study

vii.

end of placement—

the pharmacist gives a gift

from front of shop